Portable device docking station

ABSTRACT

An external expanding apparatus or “docking station” operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector exposed on a surface thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof. The docking station having a rotatable display unit support with a display unit clamping mechanism at one end thereof adapted to resiliently clamp the computer&#39;s display unit.

The present application is a Continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/480,666 filed in the name of the inventorof the present application on Jun. 30, 2006, which is incorporatedherein by reference, and is related to co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/490,402, filed in the name of the inventor ofthe present application on Jul. 19, 2006, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/493,107 filed in the name of the inventor of thepresent application on Jul. 26, 2006, co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/496,643 filed in the name of the inventor of the presentapplication on Jul. 31, 2006, and co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. NPI-056 Div. 4) filed in the nameof the inventor of the present application on the same date herewith,which are all incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to trays for holding portabledevices, and in particular to quick release external expandingapparatuses or “docking stations” for portable computers and otherportable electronics devices having one or more input/output (I/O)communication ports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable notebook-type computers using a built-in battery pack powersource are generally well-known and have an advantage in being handy tocarry about and freely used even in those places which are notaccessible to the commercial power supply.

Such computers are compact in design for higher portability, so thattheir standard functions are inevitably more limited than those ofdesktop computers. Accordingly, such portable computers are generallyprovided with one or more connectors and ports for function expansion,usually on the rear face of its casing which supports a keyboard and adisplay unit. These computers are additionally furnished with newfunctions by connecting peripheral devices, such as a hard disk drive,mouse; printer, etc., to the connectors and ports.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a notebook-type portable computer 1 for use asa portable electronic device which is connected to an external expandingapparatus, commonly referred to as a “docking station.” The computer 1includes a plastic casing 2 serving as an apparatus body. The casing 2is in the form of a flat generally rectangular box having a bottom face2 a and a top face 2 b, which extend generally parallel to each other,and a front face 2 c, a rear face 2 d, and side faces 2 e and 2 f, whichare continuous with the bottom and top faces 2 a and 2 b. At least onesuch computer casing 2 further includes a tongue 2 g projected from thefront face 2 c and having a bottom face 2 h which may be continuous withthe bottom face 2 a of the casing 2, a top face 2 i which extendsgenerally parallel to the bottom face 2 h, and a front face 2 j that isspaced away from the casing front face 2 c. The tongue 2 g may includeside surfaces 2 k and 2 l extending between the computer casing frontsurface 2 c and the tongue front face 2 j. Other surfaces of the casing2, such as one of the side faces 2 e, 2 f may includes additionalfeatures, such as but not limited to a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM 3 a and a mainpower switch 3 b.

Arranged on the top face 2 b of the casing 2, as illustrated in FIG. 1,is a keyboard 7 which is used to input information and commands. A pairof display supporting portions 8 a and 8 b, left and right, are formedat the rear end portion of the top face 2 b. A flat display unit 9having a thickness t is connected to the display supporting portions 8 aand 8 b. The display unit 9 is rotated about a hinge axis h on a pair oflegs 10 a and 10 b, left and right, which are pivotally mounted on thesupporting portions 8 a and 8 b, respectively, by means of hinge devicesas is generally well-known. Thus, the display unit 9 is supported on thecasing 2 to be rotatable about the hinge axis h relative to the casing 2between a closed position, in which a display screen surface 9 a of thedisplay unit 9 touches the top face 2 b of the casing 2. The displayunit 9 thereby covers the keyboard 7 for protecting both the keyboard 7and display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 with a hard shellbacking portion 9 b of the display unit 9. The display unit 9alternately rotates into an open position in which the display unit 9stands upright with the display screen surface 9 a exposed at the backof the keyboard 7, as illustrated. Furthermore, a hard shell lip portion9 c of the display unit 9 surrounds the sensitive display screen 9 d,the display screen 9 d is slightly recessed below the hard shell lipportion 9 c.

FIG. 2 illustrates an input/output (I/O) connector or port 4 of theknown portable computer being provided in the rear face 2 d betweeninterface apertures 4 a and 4 b on either side thereof. The I/Oconnector 4 includes a quantity of pins or pin receptors (shown) 4 c areorganized in a selected pattern. The pins or pin receptors 4 c providedinput/output (I/O) capability for communicating with various peripheralcomponents that may provide such functions as for example but notlimited to: a modem, a game port, audio output, a microphone input,serial connections, parallel connections, a video display output, USB(Universal Serial Bus) connection, a mouse connection, a keyboardconnection, an external power supply connection. Alternatively,connection to these or other peripheral devices are provided by aseparate and individual modem connector, a game port, audio speakerconnectors, a microphone connector, two serial connectors, a parallelconnector, a display unit connector, a USB connector, a mouse connector,a keyboard connector, and an external power supply connector, as aregenerally well-known in the art. A metallic terminal plate 5 is exposedon the rear face 2 d and surrounds the I/O connector 4 and includes anopen end of each of the apertures 4 a and 4 b. The apertures 4 a and 4 beach include a cylindrical aperture or a lengthwise slot (shown) or anaperture of another shape extending from the rear face 2 d of the casing2 toward the opposite front face 2 c.

In transporting the computer 1 peripheral devices must be removed fromtheir corresponding connectors or ports, or alternatively the single I/Oconnector 4. In restoring the computer 1 to its original state afterusing it elsewhere, any peripheral devices must be connected again viathe I/O connector 4. In the case where a large number of peripheraldevices are connected, therefore, the removal and connection requirevery troublesome operations.

To cope with this, there have recently been provided external expandingapparatuses or “docking stations” which are adapted to be interposedbetween a portable computer and a plurality of peripheral devices andrelay signals transferred between the computer and the devices.

FIG. 3 illustrates one such docking station 13 having a plurality ofconnectors and ports connectable with the peripheral devices, externalpower supply connector, etc., and an expansion connector 15 is presentedat a connector presentation surface 21 which is opposed to the rear face2 d of the computer casing 2. The expansion connector 15 is structuredto engage the computer's I/O connector 4. The expansion connector 15 ismounted on a movable bracket 18 structured to engage apertures 4 a and 4b on opposite sides of the I/O connector 4 as a prelude to the expansionconnector 15 actually engaging the I/O connector 4. By example andwithout limitation, the bracket 18 includes a pair of guide pins or arms18 a and 18 b that are positioned on opposite sides of the expansionconnector 15 to engage apertures 4 a and 4 b on opposite sides of theI/O connector 4. The expansion connector 15 includes a quantity of pinreceptors or pins (shown) 15 a organized in a selected pattern to engagethe pins or pin receptors 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4. Thepins 15 a of the expansion connector 15 are connected electrically todifferent ones of the connectors and ports that are connectable with theperipheral devices.

In known prior art docking station devices 13 the pair of guide pins orarms 18 a and 18 b positioned on opposite sides of the expansionconnector 15 are extended forward of the expansion connector 15 and itspin receptors or pins (shown) 15 a such that the guide arms 18 a, 18 bengage the apertures 4 a and 4 b on opposite sides of the I/O connector4 before the expansion connector 15 and its pin receptors or pins 15 athe I/O connector 4. Furthermore, the expansion connector 15 istypically loosely mounted on the bracket 18 with a little lateral playsuch that the expansion connector 15 is permitted to move relative tothe bracket 18 and its pin receptors or pins (shown) 15 a wiggle or“float” into final mating positions with the respective pin receptors(or pins) 4 c of the I/O connector 4 after the guide arms 18 a, 18 bhave established a nominal docking position. Thus, the guide arms 18 a,18 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b fine tunes thepositioning of the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a of the expansionconnector 15 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of thecomputer's I/O connector 4 prior to final insertion.

The docking station 13 also includes a mounting platform 17 on which thecomputer 1 is removably mounted. The mounting platform 17 is, forexample, adjacent connector presentation surface 21, and includes abearing surface 19 on which the bottom face 2 a of the computer casing 2is placed. The docking station apparatus 13 also includes bullet-nosedlocating pins 23 a and 23 b, which are provided on the bearing surface19 adjacent to the connector presentation surface 21. The bottom face 2a of the computer casing 2 includes a pair of locating holes 6 a and 6 bsituated adjacent to the rear face 2 d and the side faces 2 e and 2 f ofthe casing 2. The locating holes 6 a, 6 b each include a cylindricalaperture extending from the bottom face 2 a toward the opposite top face2 b and sized to accept the bullet-nosed locating pins 23 a, 23 b on thebearing surface 19 of the docking station 13. The locating holes 6 a and6 b thus serve to locate the computer's I/O connector 4 relative to theexpansion connector 15 on the presentation surface 21 of the dockingstation 13.

In connecting the computer to the docking station 13, the tongue 2 g ofthe computer casing 2 is fit into a mouth 25 of a mating receiverstructure 27 adjacent to the bearing surface 19 opposite from and facingtoward the connector presentation surface 21. The computer casing 2 isrotated about the tongue 2 g with the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2guided toward the bearing surface 19. When the bottom surface 2 a of thecasing 2 is close to the bearing surface 19, the mating locating holes 6a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 engage the locatingpins 23 a, 23 b of the docking station 13, which positions the casing 2relative to the docking station 13, and in particular positions the I/Oconnector 4 relative to the docking station's expansion connector 15.

Thereafter, the docking station's expansion connector 15 and the pair ofguide pins or arms 18 a, 18 b on either side of the expansion connector15 are moved together in the direction indicated by the arrow toward therear face 2 d of the computer 1 in a manner such that the pair of guidepins or arms 18 a, 18 b are fitted individually in the recesses of therespective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b by operation of a swingableoperating lever 29. Such engagement of the guide arms 18 a, 18 b withthe respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b fine tunes the positioningof the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a of the expansion connector 15relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the computer's I/Oconnector 4. Continued operation of the operating lever 29 continuesmovement of the expansion connector 15 toward the computer's I/Oconnector 4, and engages the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a with the pinreceptors (or pins) 4 c during final insertion.

As a result, the expansion connector 15 of the docking station 13 isconnected to the computer's I/O connector 4. Additionally, the computer1 cannot be removed from the docking station 13 because the guide pinsor arms 18 a, 18 b engaging the interface apertures 4 a, 4 b conspirewith the receiver structure 27 engaging the computer casing's tongue 2g, and the locating pins 23 a and 23 b engaging the mating locatingholes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the computer casing 2 tosecure the computer 1 relative to the docking station's connectorpresentation surface 21 and the bearing surface 19, respectively.

In removing the computer from the docking station apparatus 13, theoperating lever 29 is reversed to move the expansion connector 15 awayfrom the computer rear surface 2 d, whereby the expansion connector 15is disconnected from the computer's I/O connector 4, and the guide pinsor arms 18 a, 18 b are disengaged from the respective interfaceapertures 4 a, 4 b. The computer casing 2 can be rotated about thetongue 2 g so that the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 is disengagedfrom the bearing surface 19, and the computer 1 is disengaged from thedocking station 13.

In the docking station apparatus 13 described above, the pins (or pinreceptors) 15 a of the expansion connector 15 are attached to a circuitboard which is located within a casing 31 of the apparatus 13, and theexpansion connector 15 is connected to the circuit board through aflexible wiring harness. The flexible wiring board is in turn connectedthrough other flexible wiring harnesses to separate and individual modemconnector, a game port, audio speaker connectors, a microphoneconnector, two serial connectors, a parallel connector, a display unitconnector, a USB connector, a mouse connector, a keyboard connector, andan external power supply connector, as are generally well-known in theart.

FIG. 4 illustrates an input/output (I/O) plate 33 of the docking station13 where the flexible wiring harnesses of external devices may beconnected to, for example, a mouse connector 35, a keyboard connector37, a display unit connector 39, one or more serial connectors 41, agame port 43, a parallel connector 45, a serial connector 47, one ormore USB connectors 49, a microphone connector 51, one or more speakerconnectors 53, an external power supply connector 55, a modem connector57, or a power switch 59.

However, known docking station apparatus are limited in their ability toprovide the above expansion efficiently and reliably.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an external expanding apparatus or “dockingstation” operable with a portable computer device of a type having adisplay unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and ahard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on asubstantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent toopposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, andan input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof witha pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof. Theexternal expanding apparatus or “docking station” of the presentinvention provides all of the features of prior art expanding apparatuswith fewer parts that are also simpler than those of prior art devices.The present invention thus performs all of the functions of prior artdevices, but eliminates many of the structures required in prior artdevices for performing those functions. The present invention alsoprovides novel new features that perform new functions not provided inany known prior art expanding apparatus.

According to one aspect of the invention the external expandingapparatus includes a substantially rigid body portion having asubstantially rigid bearing plate formed with a substantiallyrectangular computer bearing surface on an outer face thereof on whichthe computer device body is to be placed. The body portion includes oneor more guides on an inner face of the substantially rigid bearing plateopposite from the bearing surface. A connector presentation surface isprovided adjacent to the bearing surface along a rear edge of thecomputer bearing surface and has an opening formed therein that isprojected above the bearing surface for opposing the device I/Oconnector when the computer device body is placed on the bearingsurface. A computer device receiver structure is fixedly positionedadjacent to a front edge of the bearing surface and is projected thereabove opposite from the connector presentation surface. The receiverstructure has a jaw structure with an opening facing toward theconnector presentation surface and is structured to receive and matewith a front face of the computer device casing. A clearance hole isformed through the bearing plate and communicates between the inner andouter faces thereof, the clearance hole is positioned between the frontedge of the bearing surface and a rear edge thereof. The body portionalso includes a peripheral device connector presentation surface havingone or more peripheral device connectors.

A pair of locating pins sized to be matingly received into the pair oflocating holes in the bottom surface of the casing of the portablecomputer device is fixedly projected above the bearing surface atopposite corners thereof and adjacent to the rear edge thereof inpositions for being matingly received into the pair of device locatingholes.

An expansion connector drive mechanism is provided that is movablerelative to the connector presentation surface, the expansion connectordrive mechanism includes: a substantially rigid movable frame having anintegral retention plate that is formed with a lengthwise slot that ismovably coupled to the one or more guides on the inner face of the bodyportion's bearing plate for moving the frame relative to the bearingplate between the front and rear edges of the bearing surface along adrive axis that is aligned with the opening in the connectorpresentation surface, an integral connector seat adjacent to a first endof the frame, an integral security plate positioned opposite theclearance hole through the bearing plate, the security plate beingformed with a keyhole aperture therethrough that has a relatively narrowelongated slot portion oriented substantially parallel with the framedrive axis and a relatively larger aperture communicating with one endof the slot portion opposite from the integral connector seat, anintegral catch mechanism that is positioned adjacent to a second end ofthe frame opposite from the integral connector seat, one or more keepersthat are coupled to the bearing plate with the integral retention plateof the frame being movably secured therebetween, and a handle extendedfrom the frame.

A connector bracket connectable with the pair of positioning aperturesprovided on opposite sides of the device I/O connector is coupled to theconnector seat of the frame and projected above the bearing surface ofthe bearing plate and is substantially aligned with the opening in theconnector presentation surface. The connector bracket has a pair ofsubstantially rigid guides in spaced-apart positions for engaging thepair of positioning apertures provided on the computer device back planeon opposite sides of the I/O connector. A computer expansion connectorthat is connectable with the I/O connector of the computer is mounted onthe connector bracket between the guides thereof.

A releasable safety catch that is operable between the keyhole aperturein the integral security plate of the frame and the clearance holethrough the bearing plate, the safety catch having a first relativelynarrow stem portion that is sized to pass through both the relativelynarrow slot portion of the keyhole aperture in the security plate andthe clearance hole through the bearing plate, and a second base portionhaving a relatively wider shoulder portion that is sized to pass throughonly the relatively larger keyhole aperture and is too oversizedrelative to the relatively narrow slot portion to pass therethrough.

A resilient biasing mechanism, such as a conventional compressionspring, is coupled to the safety catch and is structured for urging thesafety catch toward the bearing plate. The biasing mechanism isstructured for urging the relatively narrow stem portion of the safetycatch to pass through both the relatively narrow slot portion of thekeyhole aperture in the security plate and the passage through thebearing plate, and the biasing mechanism structured for simultaneouslyurging the relatively wide shoulder portion of the base portion to passthrough the relatively enlarged passage of the keyhole aperture. A latchmechanism is positioned on the body portion adjacent to a front surfaceof the bearing plate and is projected below the inner face thereofadjacent to a near end of the guide mechanism. The latch mechanism isstructured to alternately engage and disengage the catch mechanism ofthe frame portion of the expansion connector drive mechanism.

The connector bracket is linearly movable along or substantiallyparallel with the frame drive axis between a first disengaged positionwherein the connector bracket guides and expansion connector areretracted within the opening in the connector presentation surfaceadjacent to the rear edge of the bearing surface, and a second engagedposition wherein the connector bracket guides and expansion connectorare extended from the opening in the connector presentation surface overthe rear edge of the bearing surface. The connector bracket coupled tothe frame is linearly movable between the first disengaged position andthe second engaged position by release of the releasable safety catch,which includes retraction of the first relatively narrow stem portionthereof relative to the clearance hole through the bearing plate, anddisengagement of the second relatively wider shoulder portion of thebase of the releasable safety catch from the relatively larger keyholeaperture in the security plate, with the elongated slot portion of thekeyhole being continuously substantially aligned with the passagethrough the bearing plate during travel of the connector bracket betweenthe first disengaged position and the second engaged position in itsposition coupled to the connector seat of the frame portion of theexpansion connector drive mechanism.

A mounting structure is coupled to a bottom portion of the body portionand is structured to adapt the body portion for mounting to an externalsupport structure.

According to another aspect of the invention, another resilient biasingmechanism, such as another conventional compression spring, is coupledbetween the frame of the expansion connector drive mechanism and a rearportion of the inner face of the bearing plate of the body portionadjacent to the rear edge of the bearing surface for urging the frameaway from the second engaged position toward the first disengagedposition.

According to another aspect of the invention, the body portion furtherincludes: a body surface adjacent to the peripheral device connectorpresentation surface, and an external wire harness support positioned onthe body surface adjacent to the peripheral device connectorpresentation surface. According to one aspect of the invention, theexternal wire harness support has one or more strain relief structureseach being formed with a valley portion that is structured to securelyreceive a substantially cylindrical cable thereinto. The valley portionof each of the one or more strain relief structures is projected abovethe body surface and is substantially aligned with a corresponding oneof the one or more peripheral device connectors while being spaced awaytherefrom. According to another aspect of the invention, the externalwire harness support also has one or more gang supports projected abovethe body surface and being spaced away from both the one or more strainrelief structures and from the peripheral device connector presentationsurface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the docking station of theinvention also includes a rotatable display unit support having asubstantially rigid support arm that is structured with a first pivotend portion that is rotatably coupled in a releasably lockable manner tothe body portion adjacent to the connector presentation surface suchthat it is rotatable in a plane that is substantially perpendicular tothe bearing surface of the bearing plate. The rotatable display unitsupport includes a display unit clamping mechanism that is adapted toclamp the inner surface and hard shell backing of the display unit. Theclamping mechanism is positioned adjacent to a second clamping endportion of the rigid support arm opposite from the first pivot endportion. According to one aspect of the invention, the clampingmechanism includes: a substantially rigid anvil having a substantiallysmooth convexly arcuate support surface that is extended substantiallyperpendicularly to the pivot plane of the support arm; a substantiallyrigid jaw that is rotatably coupled to the anvil, the jaw having asubstantially rigid finger that is spaced away from the arcuate supportsurface of the anvil and is rotatable about an axis in the pivot planeof the support arm and crosswise to the arcuate support surface of theanvil, the finger is rotatable between a first position that is opposedto the arcuate support surface of the anvil, and a second position thatis unopposed to and clear of the arcuate support surface of the anvil; aresilient biasing mechanism that is structured for urging thesubstantially rigid finger toward the arcuate support surface of theanvil; and a detent mechanism between the jaw and the anvil that isstructured for releasably locking the jaw relative to the anvil in thefirst position with the finger opposed to the arcuate support surface ofthe anvil, and for releasably locking the jaw relative to the anvil inthe second position with the finger unopposed to and clear of thearcuate support surface of the anvil.

Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a known portablecomputer;

FIG. 2 illustrates an input/output (I/O) connector or port of the knownportable computer illustrated in FIG. 1 as being provided in the rearface thereof between interface apertures;

FIG. 3 illustrates a known computer docking station having an expansionconnector structured to engage the computer's I/O connector and beingprovided on a connector presentation surface thereof which is opposed tothe rear face of the known computer illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and aplurality of connectors and ports connectable with different peripheraldevices, external power supply, etc.;

FIG. 4 illustrates an input/output (I/O) plate of the known dockingstation where flexible wiring harnesses of different external peripheraldevices, external power supply, etc. may be connected;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective-view that illustrates the novel externalcomputer expanding apparatus or “docking station” of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view that illustrates the novel dockingstation of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view that illustrates the novel dockingstation of the invention;

FIG. 8 is another side perspective view that illustrates the noveldocking station of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the novel docking station of theinvention;

FIG. 10 is another bottom perspective view of the docking station of theinvention;

FIG. 11 is another bottom perspective view of the docking station of theinvention;

FIG. 12 is a close-up bottom perspective view of an external wireharness support of the invention of the docking station of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is another close-up bottom perspective view of the external wireharness support of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows novel cable supports of theexternal wire harness support of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the external wire harness support ofthe invention illustrating a side view of the cable supports of theinvention and an end cross-sectional view of one of a novel gang supportof the invention;

FIG. 16 is perspective view inside an upper body portion of the dockingstation of the invention and illustrates a novel expansion connectordrive mechanism of the present invention as well as novel features ofthe upper body portion that operate with the expansion connector drivemechanism;

FIG. 17 illustrates the alternative non-locking latch mechanism byexample and without limitation as a flexible latch mechanism useful withthe novel expansion connector drive mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a novel guide mechanism of the invention thatcooperates with a novel frame portion of the novel expansion connectordrive mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism of thepresent invention as well as novel features of the upper body portionthat operate with the expansion connector drive mechanism;

FIG. 20 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism of thepresent invention in a deployed position;

FIG. 21 is a section view of the expansion connector drive mechanism ofthe invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates the docking station of the invention being in aninitial state of readiness to accept the computer;

FIG. 23 illustrates the docking station of the invention being in anintermediate state of accepting the computer;

FIG. 24 illustrates the docking station of the invention being in finalstate of accepting the computer;

FIG. 25 illustrates the docking station of the invention being in finalstate of accepting the computer removed here for clarity;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are respective top and bottom perspective views thattogether illustrate one embodiment of a frame portion of the expansionconnector drive of the invention;

FIG. 28 is perspective view inside the upper body portion of the dockingstation of the invention and further illustrates a simplified expansionconnector drive mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is an upside-down close-up view showing novel edge mountingholes of the invention formed along a mutual contact line between theupper and lower body portions of the novel docking station's two-piecebody;

FIG. 30 illustrates that an extension portion of a well portion of anovel nut pocket of the invention extends past the contact line betweenthe upper and lower body portions of the novel docking station'stwo-piece body;

FIG. 31 is a section view of the nut pockets of the invention taken frominside the two-piece body of the docking station of the invention;

FIG. 32 is a section view of the nut pockets of the invention taken frominside the two-piece body of the docking station of the invention;

FIG. 33 illustrates a mechanical nut installed in the nut pocket of theinvention with a screw or bolt inserted through the edge mounting holeof the invention and mated with the nut;

FIG. 34 illustrates the lower body portion of the novel docking stationwith the upper body portion removed for clarity, the nut pockets hereillustrated as being optionally fully formed in the selected upper bodyportion or lower body portion (shown);

FIG. 35 illustrates one of the novel edge mounting holes of theinvention alternatively formed with a novel screw or bolt pocket of theinvention formed by example and without limitation as a pair of matingpockets (shown in a subsequent figure) integrally formed on insidesurfaces of the respective lower body portion and upper body portion ofthe docking station of the invention and adjacent to the respectiveedges thereof;

FIG. 36 is a section view of one of the novel screw pockets of theinvention taken from inside the two-piece body of the docking station ofthe invention;

FIG. 37 illustrates the novel screw pocket of the invention beingalternatively configured to accommodate a carriage bolt (shown inphantom) wherein the nut pocket is formed having integral near and farportions substantially aligned with a novel edge mounting hole of theinvention;

FIG. 38 is a section view of the novel screw or carriage bolt pocket ofthe invention taken from inside the two-piece body of the dockingstation of the invention;

FIG. 39 illustrates a novel display unit support of the invention thatis structured for supporting the computer's flat display unit;

FIG. 40 illustrates the novel display unit support of the invention in astored position having a rigid support arm rotated about a pivot axistoward a bearing surface of the upper body portion of the novel dockingstation of the invention, and an anvil of the novel display unit supportbeing nested in an edge recess of the novel body portion;

FIG. 41 is a side view that illustrates the jaw of the novel displayunit support of the invention being rotated about a drive axis of anovel biasing mechanism into substantial alignment with the support armduring storing of the novel display unit support;

FIG. 42 illustrates the novel docking station of the invention with thenovel display unit support in an active position having the support armrotated about the pivot axis with the novel display unit clampingmechanism supporting the display unit of the computer in an open uprightposition relative to the computer's keyboard on the computer casing topface;

FIG. 43 illustrates the docking station of the invention with the noveldisplay unit support in an active position having the support armrotated about the pivot axis with the display unit clamping mechanism ofthe invention supporting the computer display unit in an open uprightposition relative to the computer keyboard with the anvil beingpositioned supporting the hard shell backing portion of the computerdisplay unit;

FIGS. 44 through 50 illustrate that the arcuate support surface of theanvil portion of the novel display unit clamping mechanism of theinvention permits the backing portion of the computer display unit toroll thereabout in smooth substantially constant contact during rotationrelative to the computer keyboard, wherein:

FIG. 44 also illustrates the docking station of the invention with thenovel display unit support in the active position of FIG. 43 having thesupport arm rotated about the pivot axis with the novel display unitclamping mechanism supporting the computer's display unit in an openupright position relative to the computer's keyboard,

FIG. 45 is a side view of the docking station of the invention havingthe computer's display unit support in one active position, asillustrated in previous figures, having the support arm rotated aboutthe pivot axis with the novel display unit clamping mechanism of theinvention supporting the computer display unit in one open over-centerposition relative to the computer's keyboard;

FIG. 46 is an opposite side view of the novel display unit support ofthe invention in the active position of FIG. 45 for constraining thecomputer's display unit in the open over-center position by a resilientpincer action of the jaw portion relative to the anvil with the knobbeing tightened to secure the support arm in the active over-centerposition;

FIG. 47 is a side view of the docking station of the invention havingthe novel display unit support in another active position having thesupport arm rotated about the pivot axis with the novel display unitclamping mechanism of the invention supporting the computer's displayunit in a substantially vertical upright position relative to thecomputer's keyboard with the anvil portion being positioned supportingthe hard shell backing portion of the computer display unit;

FIG. 48 is an opposite side view of the novel display unit support ofthe invention in the active position of FIG. 47 for constraining thecomputer's display unit in the substantially vertical upright positionby the resilient pincer action of the jaw portion relative to the anvilportion with the knob being tightened to secure the support arm in theupright position;

FIG. 49 is a side view of the docking station of the invention havingthe novel display unit support of the invention in another activeposition having the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with thenovel display unit clamping mechanism of the invention supporting thecomputer display unit in another open position having the display unitin an extreme over-center upright position relative to the computerkeyboard;

FIG. 50 is an opposite side view of the novel display unit support ofthe invention in the active position of FIG. 49 for constraining thecomputer display unit in the extreme over-center open position by theresilient pincer action of the jaw portion relative to the anvil portionwith the knob being tightened to secure the support arm in the extremeover-center position;

FIG. 51 illustrates by example and without limitation the pivotmechanism of the invention that constrains the support arm to operateabout the pivot axis with the shoulder portion abutting the body's hubportion;

FIG. 52 illustrates by example and without limitation one alternativeconfiguration of the pivot mechanism of the invention wherein the headportion of a screw or bolt type pivot axle is constrained in the body'snovel nut pockets;

FIG. 53 illustrates by example and without limitation anotheralternative configuration of the pivot mechanism illustrated in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel displayunit clamping mechanism of the novel display unit support of theinvention in an active engaged configuration clamping the computer'sdisplay unit in an open position relative to the computer casing;

FIG. 55 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel displayunit clamping mechanism of the novel display unit support invention in apassive disengaged configuration wherein the hard shell backing portionof the computer's display unit is supported by the anvil portion of thesupport arm with the opposing jaw portion in an open position relativeto the computer display unit's display screen surface,

FIG. 56 illustrates by example and without limitation an alternativeconfiguration of the novel display unit clamping mechanism of the noveldisplay unit support of the invention in an active engaged configurationfor clamping the computer's display unit in an open position relative tothe computer casing;

FIG. 57 illustrates by example and without limitation anotheralternative configuration of the novel display unit clamping mechanismof the novel display unit support invention in an active engagedconfiguration for clamping the computer's display unit in an openposition relative to the computer casing;

FIG. 58 illustrates by example and without limitation the alternativeconfiguration of the novel display unit clamping mechanism of the noveldisplay unit support invention of FIG. 57 in a passive disengagedconfiguration;

FIG. 59 illustrates by example and without limitation anotheralternative embodiment of the novel display unit clamping mechanism ofthe display unit support invention;

FIG. 60 is a cross-section view of the alternative embodiment of thenovel display unit clamping mechanism of the display unit supportinvention illustrated in FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 illustrates an alternative positioning mechanism for fixing therotatable finger of the jaw portion of the novel display unit clampingmechanism of the display unit support invention positioned in an activeengaged configuration for clamping the computer's display unit in anopen position relative to the computer casing;

FIG. 62 is another cross-section view of the resilient clampingmechanism of the invention;

FIG. 63 is another cross-section view of the resilient clampingmechanism of the invention that illustrates another alternativeconfiguration of the jaw portion of the novel display unit clampingmechanism of the display unit support invention;

FIG. 64 illustrates an alternative configuration of the resilientclamping mechanism of the invention that substitutes the rotationalvariable pressure resilient biasing mechanism for the substantiallytranslational biasing mechanism detailed in previous figures; and

FIG. 65 illustrates the resilient clamping mechanism of the inventionthat substitutes the rotational variable pressure resilient biasingmechanism for the substantially translational biasing mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view that illustrates the presentinvention embodied by example and without limitation as a novel externalcomputer expanding apparatus or “docking station” 100 which is adaptedto be interposed between a portable computer of the type illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 and a plurality of peripheral devices and relay signalstransferred between the computer and the devices.

The docking station 100 includes a two-piece body 102 having an upperbody portion 102 a connected to a lower body portion 102 b along a line103 of mutual contact. The upper body portion 102 a is formed with abearing surface 104 on one face of a substantially rigid bearing plate105. The bearing surface 104 is structured for the computer casing 2 tobe removably placed thereon. A connector presentation surface 106 isprojected above the bearing surface 104 for presenting an expansionconnector 108 to the rear face 2 d of the computer 1 when the computer'sbottom face 2 a is placed on the bearing surface 104. The upper bodyportion 102 a also includes means for securing the computer 1 to thebearing surface 104 in fixed position relative to the connectorpresentation surface 106 such that a coupling with the expansionconnector 108 is not interrupted unintentionally. By example and withoutlimitation, the securing means includes a receiver structure 110 fixedlypositioned adjacent to a front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104opposite from the connector presentation surface 106 and having an openjaw structure 112 facing toward the connector presentation surface 106and structured to receive and mate with the tongue 2 g on the front faceof the computer casing 2. Mating of the tongue 2 g within the open jaw112 of the receiver structure 110 resists separation of the computercasing's bottom face 2 a from the bearing surface 104. Such mating ofthe tongue 2 g within the jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 alsoresists sliding of the computer casing 2 along the bearing surface 104away from the connector presentation surface 106. Additionally, the openjaw 112 may optionally include lips on either side thereof that engageside surfaces 2 k and 21 (if present) of the tongue 2 g, and by suchengagement, resist sideways slippage along the bearing surface 104parallel of the connector presentation surface 106.

The securing means also includes a pair of locating pins 114 a and 114 bfixedly positioned on a rear portion 115 of the bearing surface 104adjacent to the connector presentation surface 106, the locating pins114 a, 114 b are structured to be slidingly received into the matinglocating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2.The two locating pins 114 a and 114 b operate to position the computercasing 2 relative to the docking station bearing surface 104, and inparticular to position the computer's I/O connector 4 relative to thedocking station's expansion connector 108. Such mating of the twolocating pins 114 a, 114 b within the respective locating holes 6 a, 6 balso serve to resist both lateral and longitudinal slippage of thecomputer casing 2 relative to the bearing surface 104. The two locatingpins 114 a, 114 b resist both sliding of the computer casing 2 along thebearing surface 104 away from the connector presentation surface 106,and simultaneously resist sideways slippage along the bearing surface104 parallel of the connector presentation surface 106.

The securing means also includes a pair of guides 116 a and 116 bprovided as either substantially rigid pins or stiff arms that arepositioned on opposite sides of the expansion connector 108. The guides116 a and 116 b extend past the expansion connector 108 and engage theapertures 4 a and 4 b on opposite sides of the computer's I/O connector4 in advance of the expansion connector 108 engaging the computer's I/Oconnector 4. As is discussed in detail below, by operation of a slidingexpansion connector drive mechanism 118, the expansion connector 108simultaneously with the pair of guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b(hereinafter “guide arms”) on either side of the expansion connector 108are together moved inward from the presentation surface 106 (in thedirection indicated by arrow 120) across the bearing surface 104 towardthe opposing open jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 in a manner suchthat the pair of guide arms 116 a, 116 b are fitted individually in therecesses of the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b the rear face 2d of the computer casing 2 in advance of connection of the connector 108with the computer's I/O connector 4. Such engagement of the guide arms116 a, 116 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b pressesthe pair of guide arms 116 a, 116 b against the respective interfaceapertures 4 a, 4 b in the rear face 2 d of the computer casing 2, whichin turn pushes the front face 2 c toward the receiver structure 110 andthe tongue 2 g into its open jaw 112. Additionally, the mating of theguide arms 116 a, 116 b within the respective computer casing interfaceapertures 4 a, 4 b resist sideways slippage along the bearing surface104 parallel of the connector presentation surface 106. Moreimportantly, the mating of the guide arms 116 a, 116 b within therespective computer casing interface apertures 4 a, 4 b resistsseparation of the computer casing's bottom face 2 a from the bearingsurface 104 so that the two locating pins 114 a, 114 b within therespective locating holes 6 a, 6 b more effectively resist both lateraland longitudinal slippage of the computer casing 2 relative to thebearing surface 104.

Furthermore, the expansion connector 108 includes a quantity of pinreceptors or pins (shown) 122 organized in a selected pattern to engagethe pins or pin receptors 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4.Accordingly, such engagement of the guide arms 116 a, 116 b on eitherside of the expansion connector 108 with the respective interfaceapertures 4 a, 4 b also fine tunes the positioning of pin receptors orpins (shown) 122 of the expansion connector 108 relative to the pinreceptors (or pins) 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4, wherebyoperation of the expansion connector drive 118 causes the expansionconnector 108 to engage the computer's I/O connector 4, and engages thepins (or pin receptors) 122 with the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c.

Thus, the three-part computer securing means includes the receiverstructure 110 fixed adjacent the front portion 111 of the bearingsurface 104, the locating pins 114 a and 114 b fixed on the rear face115 of the bearing surface 104, and the guide arms 116 a, 116 b oneither side of the expansion connector 108, which operate together toretain the computer's I/O connector 4 on the rear face 2 d of the casing2 in uninterrupted engagement with the docking station's expansionconnector 108.

However, the guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side of the expansionconnector 108 might interfere with seating the computer casing 2 againstthe bearing surface 104, so a sensing means 123 is optionally providedfor sensing that the computer's casing 2 is emplaced on the dockingstation's bearing surface 104 with its I/O connector 4 positioned toreceive the docking station's expansion connector 108. For example, theoptional sensing means 123 may be provided in the form of safety catch124 having a stem or button that cooperates with the expansion connectordrive 118 to detect presence of the computer 1 against the bearingsurface 104. As discussed herein below, if present, the sensing means123 is an optional safety mechanism that prevents the expansionconnector drive 118 from being operated unless the computer casing 2 isfirmly seated against the bearing surface 104 of the docking stationupper body portion 102 a, which depresses the safety catch 124. Thus,the docking station 100 optionally senses the presence of the computer 1when installation of the casing 2 causes depression of the safety catch124, if present. By requiring previous operation of the safety catch124, if present, the expansion connector 108 cannot be deployed untilthe computer's I/O connector 4 is positioned to receive it. Accordingly,neither the guide arms 116 a, 116 b nor the expansion connector 108 caninterfere with seating the computer casing 2.

Furthermore, while the computer casing 2 is being seated, the expansionconnector 108 remains tucked safely away in a home position on thesidelines of the bearing surface 104. For example, the expansionconnector 108 is protected in a disengaged “safe” position within anintegral housing portion 126 of the casing upper body 102 a positionedat the rear 115 of the bearing surface 104, where the expansionconnector 108 is out of harm's way during seating of the computer casing2. By example and without limitation, the housing 126 extends above thebearing surface 104 and is formed with a cavity 128 that is extendedrearward of the bearing surface 104. The cavity 128 is sized to hold theexpansion connector 108 on a connector bracket 130 having guide arms 116a, 116 b projected therefrom on either side of the expansion connector108. The bracket 130, together with the expansion connector 108 andguide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side thereof, is movable (as indicatedby arrow 120) by operation of the expansion connector drive mechanism118 out of the cavity 128 and inward of the bearing surface 104 throughan opening 132 formed in the presentation surface 106 of the housing126.

The docking station 100 of the present invention optionally includes alocking latch mechanism 134 for constraining the expansion connectordrive mechanism 118 relative to the upper body portion 102 a of thedocking station 100. Accordingly, the locking latch mechanism 134constrains the bracket 130 having the expansion connector 108 and guidearms 116 a, 116 b in a deployed position, the deployed position havingthe expansion connector 108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over thebearing surface 104.

As a result, the expansion connector 108 of the docking station 100 isconnected to the computer's I/O connector 4. Additionally, the computer1 cannot be removed from engagement with the docking station 100 becausethe guide arms 116 a, 116 b engaging the interface apertures 4 a, 4 bcooperate with the receiver structure 110 engaging the computer casing'stongue 2 g, and the locating pins 114 a and 114 b engaging the matinglocating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the computercasing 2 to secure the computer 1 relative to the connector presentationsurface 106 and the bearing surface 104, respectively, of the dockingstation apparatus 100. The locking latch mechanism 134 ensures theexpansion connector drive mechanism 118 cannot be dislodged so that theguide arms 116 a, 116 b continue to engage the interface apertures 4 a,4 b, even if the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is attempted tobe dislodged, either accidentally or intentionally.

In removing the computer from the docking station apparatus 100 of theinvention, the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is reversed tomove the expansion connector 108 away from the computer rear surface 2d, whereby the expansion connector 108 is disconnected from thecomputer's I/O connector 4, and the guide arms 116 a, 116 b aredisengaged from the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b. Thecomputer casing 2 can be rotated about the tongue 2 g so that the bottomsurface 2 a of the casing 2 is disengaged from the bearing surface 104,and the computer 1 is disengaged from the docking station 100.

According to one embodiment of the docking station 100 of the invention,the expansion connector 108 is optionally loosely mounted on the bracket130 with a little lateral play such that the expansion connector 108 ispermitted to move relative to the bracket 130 and its pin receptors orpins (shown) 122 wiggle or “float” into final mating positions with therespective pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the I/O connector 4 after theguide arms 116 a, 116 b have established a nominal docking position, asin the prior art. Thus, the guide arms 116 a, 116 b with the respectiveinterface apertures 4 a, 4 b fine tunes the positioning of the pins (orpin receptors) 122 of the expansion connector 108 relative to the pinreceptors (or pins) 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4 prior to finalinsertion.

Alternatively, the expansion connector 108 is optionally securelymounted on the bracket 130 without appreciable lateral play such thatthe expansion connector 108 is not permitted to move relative to thebracket 130 and its pin receptors or pins (shown) 15 a do not wiggle orfloat into final mating positions with the respective pin receptors (orpins) 4 c of the I/O connector 4. Rather, as discussed herein below, theexpansion connector drive mechanism 118 provides sufficient lateral playthat, the guide arms 18 a, 18 b operate to establish both a nominaldocking position and a final insertion position of the expansionconnector 108 relative to the computer's connector 4. Thus, thecomplexity of the prior art bracket 18, as discussed herein above, iseliminated, while the positioning function is maintained as a feature ofthe expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the invention.

Optionally, hand clearances 137 communicate with either side of thedocking station's computer bearing surface 104 for access to the bottomsurface 2 a of the computer 1 for lifting it free of the bearing surface104 and the locating pins 114 a, 114 b projected therefrom. By exampleand without limitation, the hand clearances 137 are provided asindentations in the upper body portion 102 a and optionally in the lowerbody portion 102 b as well. The hand clearances 137 are located near theconnector presentation surface 106 and the locating pin 114 a, 114 b formore easily lifting the computer 1 clear of the locating pin 114 a, 114b and the jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 opposite.

Additionally, an edge recess 139 communicates with the docking station'scomputer bearing surface 104 and one side of the upper body portion 102a for storing a novel display unit support 142 that is structured forsupporting the computer's flat display unit 9.

Additionally, as discussed herein below and more clearly illustrated insubsequent figures, the docking station's expansion connector 108 iselectrically coupled to a plurality of peripheral device connectors 136a, 136 b through 136 n provided by example and without limitation on aperipheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower bodyportion 102 b. For example, the lower body portion 102 b includes anintegral rear housing 140 having the presentation surface 138 providedthereon.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station 100includes a novel display unit support 142 structured for supporting thecomputer's flat display unit 9 in any convenient orientation relative tothe keyboard 7 on the computer's top face 2 b.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view that illustrates the presentinvention embodied by example and without limitation as a the dockingstation 100. Here, for clarity the bracket 130 having only the guidepins 116 a, 116 b projected therefrom, without the expansion connector108.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view that illustrates the present inventionembodied by example and without limitation as a the docking station 100.Here, for clarity the bracket 130 having only the guide pins 116 a, 116b projected therefrom, without the expansion connector 108.

FIG. 8 is another side perspective view that illustrates the presentinvention embodied by example and without limitation as a the dockingstation 100. Here, the receiver structure 110 is more clearlyillustrated as having the open jaw structure 112 formed between thefront portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 and an upper lip 144 whichengages the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2, while the frontportion 111 of the bearing surface 104 engages the computer casingbottom face 2 a. A recessed throat portion 146 of the receiverstructure's jaw 112 is set back between the front portion 111 of thebearing surface 104 and the upper lip 144. The recessed throat portion146 of the jaw 112 engages the front face 2 c of the computer casing 2.

Here also are illustrated a plurality of edge mounting holes 148 formedalong the mutual contact line 103 which also operates as a separationline between the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b of thedocking station's two-piece body 102. As discussed herein below, theedge mounting holes 148 each provide novel means for holding a square-or hex-head screw with its threaded shaft extending out of therespective mounting hole 148 substantially parallel with the bearingsurface 104 and perpendicular to respective side faces 152 and 154 ofthe upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b. Any external device canbe threadedly attached to the body 102 by means of a nut threaded to theextended shaft of the screw:

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the docking station 100 of theinvention that includes a mounting structure 155 that is structured toadapt the docking station 100 for mounting to an external supportstructure, by example and without limitation, the universallypositionable device invented by the inventor of the present inventionand disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,885, which is incorporated hereinby reference. By example and without limitation, the mounting structure155 is provided as a plurality of mounting holes 157 projected from abottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b within an integral ring159 with optional supports 161 formed as elongated gussets integrallystructured between the bottom plane 156 and the ring 159. Other mountingstructures 155 are also contemplated and may be substituted withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

This view further illustrates the peripheral device connectorpresentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b having the aplurality of peripheral device connectors 136 a, 136 b through 136 n,including by example and without limitation, a video display output 13a, a mouse connection 136, a keyboard connection 136 c, USB (UniversalSerial Bus) connection 136 d, an external power supply connection 136 e,an audio output 136 f, a microphone input 136 g, a modem 136 h serialconnections 136 j and 136 k, and a parallel connection 136 m. Theseperipheral device connectors 136 a-136 n are electrically coupled to thedocking station's expansion connector 108, as discussed herein. Asillustrated here, the peripheral device connector presentation surface138 is projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b and is optionally oriented substantially perpendicular thereto.Therefore, the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n face across thebottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b and are protected bythe integral rear housing 140.

Additionally illustrated here is an external wire harness support 158that provides strain relief to a plurality of connections between theperipheral device connectors 136 a-136 n and connectors 160 on a wiringharness 162, as illustrated in subsequent figures. By example andwithout limitation, the external wire harness support 158 includes oneor more individual cable supports 164 a, 164 b through 164 n projectedfrom the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b adjacent tothe peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 on the integralrear housing 140. As illustrated, each of the one or more individualcable supports 164 a-164 n positioned in close proximity to one of theperipheral device connectors 136 a-136 n. Optionally, each of theindividual cable supports 164 a-164 n is substantially aligned with oneof the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n. Each of the individualcable supports 164 a-164 n provides strain relief for a cable connectedto a respective one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n. Theexternal wire harness support 158 further includes one or more gangcable supports 166 projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower bodyportion 102 b in a position spaced away from the group of individualcable supports 164 a-164 n, and optionally spaced away from theperipheral device connector presentation surface 138 as well.Optionally, one or more additional gang cable supports 166 are providedon the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b in positionsthat are spaced away from the peripheral device connector presentationsurface 138 and spaced away from others of the peripheral deviceconnectors 136 j-136 m.

FIG. 10 is another bottom perspective view of the docking station 100 ofthe invention that includes the wiring harness 162 having a plurality ofindividual cables 168 each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to arespective one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n presentedon the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lowerbody portion 102 b. For clarity and by example and without limitation,the wiring harness 162 is illustrated here having two individual cables168 a and 168 b each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one ofthe peripheral device connectors-136 a-136 n. The external wire harnesssupport 158 of the invention is illustrated having wire ties 170 tyingthe individual cables 168 a, 168 b to respective individual cablesupports 164 a, 164 b. Furthermore, another of the wire ties 170 strapsa group or “gang” of the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to one of thegang supports 166. The wire ties 170 are any wire ties selected from agroup of wire ties of various types that are generally well-known in theart. For example, the wire ties 170 may be plastic coated wires, plasticstraps with a catch at one end that mates with teeth along one face, andother known wire ties.

Also illustrated are more of the edge mounting holes 148 formed alongthe mutual contact line 103 between the upper and lower body portions102 a, 102 b of the docking station's two-piece body 102. Additional oneor more of the edge mounting holes 148 are optionally formed along themutual contact line 103 which extends between respective front faces 172and 174 of the docking station's upper and lower body portions 102 a,102 b.

FIG. 11 is another bottom perspective view of the docking station 100 ofthe invention that includes the wiring harness 162 having a plurality ofindividual cables each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to arespective one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n presentedon the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lowerbody portion 102 b. For clarity and by example and without limitation,the wiring harness 162 is illustrated here having two individual cables168 a and 168 b each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one ofthe peripheral device connectors 136 b and 136 c. The external wireharness support 158 of the invention is illustrated having wire ties 170tying the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to respective individual cablesupports 164 a, 164 b. Furthermore, another of the wire ties 170 strapsa group or “gang” of the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to one of thegang supports 166. The wire ties 170 are any wire ties selected from agroup of wire ties of various types that are generally well-known in theart. For example, the wire ties 170 may be plastic coated wires, plasticstraps with a catch at one end that mates with teeth along one face, andother known wire ties.

FIG. 12 is a close-up bottom perspective view of the docking station 100of the invention that includes the wiring harness 162 having a pluralityof individual cables 168 each having one of the connectors 160 coupledto a respective one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 npresented on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 ofthe lower body portion 102 b. For clarity and by example and withoutlimitation, the wiring harness 162 is also illustrated here having twoindividual cables 168 a and 168 b each having one of the connectors 160coupled to one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n. Theexternal wire harness support 158 of the invention is illustrated havingwire ties 170 tying the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to respectiveindividual cable supports 164 a, 164 b. Furthermore, another of the wireties 170 straps a group or “gang” of the individual cables 168 a, 168 bto one of the gang supports 166. The wire ties 170 are any wire tiesselected from a group of wire ties of various types that are generallywell-known in the art. For example, the wire ties 170 may be plasticcoated wires, plastic straps with a catch at one end that mates withteeth along one face, and other known wire ties.

As also illustrated here with respect to the unoccupied individual cable164 n, each of the individual cable supports 164 a-164 n is formed witha valley 176 that is structured to securely receive the cable 168 a, 168b thereinto. The valley 176 is spaced away from the bottom plane 156 ofthe lower body portion 102 b to the extent that it is substantiallyaligned with the corresponding one of the peripheral device connectors136 a-136 n on the presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion102 b such that the respective cable 168 a-168 n is substantiallystraight between the respective cable support 164 a-164 n and peripheraldevice connector 136 a-136 n. By example and without limitation, thevalley 176 is optionally curved in a semi-tubular shape to conform tothe typical round cable shape and sized to admit such cable. The cablesupport 164 n is further shown to include wall portion 178 extended fromeither side of the curved valley 176 and substantially contiguoustherewith and oriented tangentially therewith. The wall portions 178 areoptionally crenellated as shown, or continuous.

Clearance is provided for the wire ties 170 between the valley 176 andthe bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b. By example andwithout limitation, the wire tie clearance is provided by a tunnel 180that is extend under and completely through each of the individual cablesupports 164 a-164 n directly below and slightly spaced away from thevalley 176 and oriented crosswise of the valley 176. Optionally, aslight recess 182 is formed in the bottom plane 156 of the lower bodyportion 102 b directly below the valley 176, such that the tunnel 180 isrecessed into the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 bdirectly below and slightly spaced away from the valley 176.

FIG. 13 is another close-up bottom perspective view of the dockingstation's external wire harness support 158 of the invention without thewiring harness 162. As illustrated, the individual cable supports 164a-164 n are each formed on the bottom plane 156 of the lower bodyportion 102 b in a position that is spaced away from a corresponding oneof the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n on the peripheral deviceconnector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b. Thevalleys 176 are illustrated as being curved in a semi-cylindrical formthat is substantially aligned with the corresponding peripheral deviceconnectors 136 a-136 n on the peripheral device connector presentationsurface 138. Additionally, the valley 176 portion of each cable support164 a-164 n is illustrated with the wall portion 178 extended fromeither side thereof and substantially contiguous therewith and orientedtangentially therewith. The wall portions 178 are shown as beingoptionally crenellated, but the wall portions 178 are optionallycontinuous.

The tunnel 180 is illustrated here as an optional single common tunnelhaving the optional recess 182 extending under all of the individualcable supports 164 a-164 n and beyond them to either end 184 and 186.

The gang support 166 is illustrated as being formed with a substantialbody portion 200 spaced from the bottom plane 156 of the lower bodyportion 102 b on spaced apart legs 202 that are projected from thebottom plane 156. Furthermore, one of the gang supports 166 isillustrated as including a tunnel 188 formed thereunder and having anoptional recess 189 recessed into the bottom plane 156 of the lower bodyportion 102 b substantially crosswise thereof. Optionally, the tunnel188 extends there beyond to either side 190 and 192.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows the cable supports 164a-164 n of the external wire harness support 158 each being formed witha substantial body portion 194 projected from the bottom plane 156 ofthe lower body portion 102 b. The valley 176 is formed in the body 194distal of the bottom plane 156, and the crenellated wall portions 178extended therefrom. The tunnel 180 is illustrated here as the optionalsingle common tunnel having the optional recess 182 extending under allof the individual cable supports 164 a-164 n and beyond them to eitherend 184 and 186. Furthermore, the tunnel 180 is illustrated here asbeing formed completely through the bottom plane 156 of the lower bodyportion 102 b.

The cables 168 a, 168 b are shown seated in the valleys 176 of therespective cable supports 164 a, 164 b of the docking station's externalwire harness support 158. The cables 168 a, 168 b are secured in placeby the wire ties 170 wrapped around the body portion 194 a, 194 b of therespective cable supports 164 a, 164 b: Furthermore, the wire ties 170pass through embrasures 196 between spaced apart merlons 198 that formthe crenellated wall portions 178.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the external wire harness support 158that shows a side view of the cable supports 164 a-164 n and an endcross-sectional view of one of the gang supports 166 projected from thebottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b. The cables 168 a, 168b are shown seated in the valleys 176 of the respective cable supports164 a, 164 b and being secured in place by the wire ties 170 wrappedaround the respective body portion 194 a, 194 b thereof. Furthermore,the wire ties 170 are shown passing through the embrasures 196 betweenthe spaced apart merlons 198 that form the crenellated wall portions178.

In the end cross-sectional view of the gang support 166, the gangsupport 166 is illustrated as being formed with the substantial bodyportion 200 that is projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lowerbody portion 102 b on the spaced apart legs 202 (one shown, more clearlyshown in FIG. 13). The cables 168 a, 168 b are gathered together andsecured in place by a single wire tie 170 wrapped around the bodyportion 200. Furthermore, that form the crenellated wall portions 178.Optionally, the gang support 166 is substantially the same as the cablesupports 164 a-164 n and includes the crenellated wall portions 178spaced apart on either lengthwise side 190, 192 of the body portion 200and formed distal of the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b, and the wire tie 170 pass through embrasures 196 between spaced apartmerlons 198 of the crenellated wall portions 178.

FIG. 16 is perspective view inside the upper body portion 102 a andillustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the presentinvention as well as features of the upper body portion 102 a thatoperate with the expansion connector drive mechanism 118. By example andwithout limitation the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is formedof a single-piece elongated frame 204 having a substantially planarinterface surface 233 (shown in one or more subsequent figures). Afollower mechanism 206 is provided by example and without limitation asan elongated lengthwise inner slot that extends substantially along alongitudinal axis L thereof for nearly the entire length of the frame204 within a retention plate 207. An integral expanded connector seat208 is positioned at a first distal or far end 210 of the frame 204 formounting the expansion connector 108 thereon.

An inner surface 224 of the upper body portion's substantially rigidbearing plate 105 opposite from the bearing surface 104 includes a guidemechanism 226 that cooperates with the inner slot 206 to guide the frame204 substantially along a drive axis DA that is substantially coincidentwith a longitudinal axis L of the slot 206. The inner slot followermechanism 206 of the frame 204 thus cooperates with the guide mechanism226 for moving the frame 204 across the inner surface 224 of the upperbody portion 102 a along the drive axis DA with the frame'ssubstantially planar interface surface 233 moving substantially parallelwith the inner surface 224 of the bearing plate 105. Here, the interiorof the guide mechanism 226 is exposed for clarity. By example andwithout limitation, the guide mechanism 226 is formed by two guides 228arranged on the upper body portion's inner surface 224 in spaced apartpositions along the drive axis DA. Optionally, the guides 228 arerotating disk guides formed as wheels or rollers that rotate aboutrespective axles or hubs 232 provided on the upper body portion's innersurface 224. The axles or hubs 232 may be configured to space therotating disk guides 228 slightly away from the upper body portion'sinner surface 224 for easier rotation. By example and withoutlimitation, the two guides 228 are optionally provided as one or moreslides fixed to the inner surface 224 of the upper body portion 102 aand permit the frame 204 to slide freely along the drive axis DA. Asdescribed herein below, the frame 204 is constrained relative to theguides 228 to move across the upper body portion's inner surface 224along the drive axis DA.

When mounted on the connector seat 208 at the far end 210 of the frame204, the expansion connector 108 fits within the cavity portion 128 ofthe housing 126 and extends above the bearing surface 104 of the upperbody portion 102 a. The frame 204 is moveable, either by sliding orrolling, in cooperation with the guide mechanism 226 across the innersurface 224 of the upper body portion 102 a and along the drive axis DA.

The expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the invention alsoprovides a small amount of lateral play (indicated by arrow 241) suchthat the connector seat 208 is permitted to move laterally relative tothe upper body portion's inner surface 224 and the bearing surface 104on the opposite surface of the bearing plate 105 and substantiallycrosswise of the drive axis DA. For example, the follower mechanism orslot 206 fits with sufficient play on the guides 228 that the frame 204is permitted sufficient lateral play along arrow 241 that lateral playthe connector seat 208 permits the expansion connector 108 securelymounted thereon to move laterally relative to the bearing surface 104 ofthe upper body portion's bearing plate 105. Thus, although is securelymounted on the bracket 130 without appreciable lateral play, theconnector seat 208 actually has sufficient lateral play through theexpansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the invention to establishboth a nominal docking position of the expansion connector 108 relativeto the computer's I/O connector 4 and a final insertion position of thepin receptors or pins (shown) 122 relative to the I/O connector's pinreceptors (or pins) 4 c. Thus, the complexity of the prior art bracket18, as discussed herein above, is eliminated, while the positioningfunction is maintained as a feature of the expansion connector drivemechanism 118 of the invention.

An integral catch mechanism 212 and integral handle 214 are bothpositioned adjacent to a second proximal or near end 216 of the frame204 opposite from the connector seat 208. The handle 214 may beprovided, by example and without limitation, on one side 218 of theframe 204, while the catch mechanism 212 may be provided, by example andwithout limitation, at the near end 216. The catch mechanism 212 isstructured to cooperate with the locking latch mechanism 134 forsecurely fixing the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 relative tothe upper body portion 102 a of the docking station 100 with the bracket130 holding the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a, 116 b oneither side thereof in a deployed position, i.e., with the expansionconnector 108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over the bearingsurface 104. By example and without limitation, the frame's integralcatch mechanism 212 includes a lip portion 242 of the that engageseither the optional lock mechanism 134, or an alternative non-lockinglatch mechanism 244 (shown here), which is optionally substituted.

As illustrated here, the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 issubstituted for the optional locking latch mechanism 134. Thealternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 similarly constrains theexpansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed position, as describedherein. By example and without limitation, the alternative non-lockinglatch 244 is a flexible latch mechanism of the type illustrated in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/064,777 filed in the name of the inventorof the present invention on Feb. 23, 2005, which is incorporated hereinin its entirety. Alternatively, when present, the optional lockingmechanism 134 lockingly secures the expansion connector 108 in thedeployed position.

The sensing means 123 is provided as a security mechanism 220 that isstructured to cooperate with the safety catch 124 to resist deploymentof the expansion connector 108 until the computer 1 is seated againstthe bearing surface 104 and the computer's I/O connector 4 is positionedto receive the expansion connector 108. By example and withoutlimitation, the security mechanism 220 is provided in an integralsecurity plate 221 formed, by example and without limitation, along theside 218 of the frame 204 and spaced away from the lengthwise inner slot206, for example, between the connector seat 208 and the handle 214. Thesecurity mechanism 220 is provided as a keyhole 222 formed in thesecurity plate 221, the keyhole 222 being structured for cooperatingwith the safety catch 124 such that, when the safety catch 124 isengaged with the keyhole 222, the frame 204 cannot be moved relative tothe casing's upper body portion 102 a. Furthermore, when the safetycatch 124 is disengaged from the cooperating keyhole 222 in the securityplate 221, the frame 204 is free to move along the longitudinal axis L.

The novel expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is operated by firstdepressing the safety catch 124 relative to the bearing surface 104 ofthe upper body portion 102 a, for example by seating the bottom face 2 aof the computer casing 2 against the bearing surface 104. Depressing thesafety catch 124 simultaneously disengages the safety catch 124 of thesecurity mechanism 220 from the cooperating keyhole portion 222 in thesecurity plate 221, which thereby permits the frame 204 to move alongthe frame drive axis DA. The handle 214 of the expansion connector drivemechanism 118 is pulled along the drive axis DA toward the front face172 of the casing's upper body portion 102 a, which in turn pulls theexpansion connector 108 and the guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either sidethereof into the deployed position described herein, i.e., with theexpansion connector 108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over thebearing surface 104. The lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catchmechanism 212 engages either the optional lock mechanism 134, oralternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 (shown here), whichconstrains the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 in the deployedposition.

An optional retraction mechanism 246 is operated for retracting theexpansion connector 108 from the deployed position by driving the frame204 along the drive axis DA away from the upper body portion's frontface 172 toward its rear face 248. By example and without limitation,the retraction mechanism 246 includes a resilient biasing mechanism 250,such as a tension spring (shown), that is coupled between the rear face248 of the upper body portion 102 a and the second or near end 216 ofthe frame 204 adjacent to the handle 214. The biasing mechanism 250operates between the rear face 248 and the near end 216 of the frame 204for pulling the frame 204 toward the rear face 248. The biasingmechanism 250 thereby operates to automatically retract the expansionconnector 108 from the deployed position when the locking latchmechanism 134 or non-locking latch mechanism 244 (shown here) isoperated to release the frame's integral catch mechanism 212.Alternatively, as illustrated, the spring 250 is coupled between astanchion 251 near the rear face 248 and the near end 216 of the frame204 for retracting the expansion connector 108.

Furthermore, the resilient biasing mechanism or tension spring 250 beingmounted on one side 218 of the frame 204 offset of the drive axis DAprovides leverage to the force applied by the spring 250. Therefore, thespring 250 also biases the frame 204 on the guides 228 relative to theupper body portion's inner surface 224 crosswise of the drive axis DA.Accordingly, the spring 250 also pulls the inner slot 206 of the frame204 against the guides 228 so that the connector seat 208 and theexpansion connector 108 securely mounted thereon are biased laterallyrelative to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 and the bearingsurface 104 on the opposite surface of the bearing plate 105 andsubstantially crosswise of the drive axis DA. The lateral bias providedby the offset biasing mechanism 250 stabilizes the expansion connector108 relative to the computer's I/O connector 4 for reducing effects onthe interconnection of shocks and vibrations experienced by the dockingstation 100. The novel expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of theinvention thus further improves the interconnection of expansionconnector 108 with the computer's I/O connector 4 over the prior artdocking station's expansion connector 15, as discussed above.

As disclosed herein, the safety catch 124 will not interfere with theretraction mechanism 246 retracting the frame 204. However, anotherbiasing mechanism 252 (shown in subsequent figures) operates to resetthe sensing means for sensing that the computer's casing 2 is emplacedon the docking station's bearing surface 104 before the expansionconnector drive 118 can be operated.

FIG. 17 illustrates the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 byexample and without limitation as a flexible latch mechanism of the typeillustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/064,777, which isincorporated herein in its entirety, for latching the expansionconnector 108 in the deployed position. As illustrated here by exampleand without limitation the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244includes a tooth 254 positioned at one end of a flexible arm 256 that isintegrally (shown) or separately attached at its opposite end to theupper body portion 102 a, such as to the front face 172 thereof.Inclined surfaces 257 and 258 cooperate to allow the to tooth 254 toautomatically engage the lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catchmechanism 212 when the frame 204 is moved into the position fordeploying the expansion connector 108, i.e., when the near end 216 ofthe frame 204 is pulled close to the front face 172 of the upper bodyportion 102 a. A handle 260 is provided on the flexible arm 256 oranother part of the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 fordisengaging the tooth 254 from the frame's lip portion 242, whichreleases the frame 204 for retracting the expansion connector 108 fromthe deployed position.

FIG. 18 illustrates the guide mechanism 226 that cooperates with theinner slot 206 to guide the frame 204 substantially along the drive axisDA. As discussed above, the frame 204 is constrained to move along thetwo guides 228 relative to the upper body portion's inner surface 224along the drive axis DA. Here, by example and without limitation one ormore keepers 240 are secured to the upper body portion's inner surface224 by one or more fasteners 236 for constraining the frame 204 to movealong the drive axis DA. The one or more keepers 240 also operate toconstrain the guide discs 228, when present, in a position forcooperating with the inner slot 206 of the frame 204. Other structuresfor the guide mechanism 226 are also contemplated and may be substitutedwithout deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention.For example, the one or more keepers 240 are provided by a pair ofdisk-shaped keepers, i.e., flat washers, that are secured to the upperbody portion's inner surface 224 by the fasteners 236 for constrainingthe frame 204 to move along the drive axis DA.

FIG. 19 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of thepresent invention as well as features of the upper body portion 102 athat operate with the expansion connector drive mechanism 118: Here, theframe 204 is shown adjacent to the rear face 248 of the upper bodyportion 102 a with the expansion connector 108 retracted from itsdeployed position. However, the security mechanism 220 is disengaged byhaving the safety catch 124 disengaged from the cooperating keyhole 222in the security plate 221 so that the frame 204 is free to move alongthe drive axis DA. As illustrated here, the biasing mechanism 252 isshown as a compression spring that operates between the safety catch 124and, for example, an inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b(omitted here for clarity, shown in a subsequent figure) to drive thesafety catch 124 into security plate 221 and reset the docking station'scomputer sensing means.

FIG. 20 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of thepresent invention with the frame 204 is shown adjacent to the front face172 of the upper body portion 102 a with the expansion connector 108 inits deployed position extended over the bearing surface 104. Here, thebiasing mechanism 250 is shown as being in an expanded state for pullingthe frame 204 toward the rear face 248 when the security mechanism 220is subsequently disengaged. The biasing mechanism 250 thereupon operatesto retract the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position whenthe optional lock mechanism 134 is operated to release the frame'sintegral catch mechanism 212.

FIG. 21 is a section view taken substantially along a drive axis DA ofthe expansion connector drive mechanism 118. This figure illustrates thenovel guide mechanism 226 of the invention having the movable frame 204shifted toward the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102 a suchthat the integral connector seat 208 is positioned to place theexpansion connector 108 (removed for clarity) in the deployed positionrelative to the bearing surface 104. As illustrated here, the guidemechanism 226 is formed by the two guides 228 arranged on the upper bodyportion's inner surface 224 in spaced apart positions along the driveaxis DA within the cooperating inner slot 206 of the frame 204. Byexample and without limitation, the two guides 228 are illustrated hereas wheels or rollers that rotate about respective axles or hubs 232provided on the upper body portion's inner surface 224. The frame 204 isconstrained to move relative to the upper body portion's inner surface224 along the drive axis DA by a single one-piece keeper 240 that isheld in place by the two fasteners 236.

As illustrated here the optionally lock mechanism 134 constrains theexpansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed position, as describedherein.

The latch on the upper body portion 102 a for securely fixing theexpansion connector drive mechanism 118 relative to the upper bodyportion 102 a of the docking station 100 is illustrated here as the lockmechanism 134. As illustrated, the lock mechanism 134 includes aretractable tooth 262 positioned at one end of a lock cylinder 264 thatis attached at its opposite end to the upper body portion 102 a, such asto the front face 172 thereof. An inclined lead surface 266 allows theto tooth 262 to automatically engage the lip portion 242 of the frame'sintegral catch mechanism 212 when the frame 204 is moved into theposition for deploying the expansion connector 108, i.e., when the nearend 216 of the frame 204 is pulled close to the front face 172 of theupper body portion 102 a. A key 268 is applied to a key hole 270 in thelock cylinder 264 for disengaging the tooth 262 from the frame's lipportion 242, which releases the frame 204 for retracting the expansionconnector 108 from the deployed position.

FIG. 22 illustrates the docking station 100 being in an initial state ofreadiness to accept the computer 1 (shown in phantom) with the bottomface 2 a of the casing 2 spaced away from the docking station's bearingsurface 104. Here, the expansion connector 108 is mounted on theconnector seat 208 at the far end 210 of the frame 204, and theexpansion connector 108 along with the two guide pins or arms 116 a, 116b that are positioned on opposite sides thereof are fully retractedwithin the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126 adjacent to the bearingsurface 104 at the rear face 248 of the upper body portion 102 a.

As discussed herein, when the safety catch 124 of the optional sensingmechanism 123 is engaged with the keyhole 222 in the security plate 221,as shown, the frame 204 cannot be moved relative to the casing's upperbody portion 102 a and the bearing surface 104. Furthermore, theexpansion connector 108 and guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b are likewisecannot be moved out of the cavity 128 to interfere with seating thecomputer 1. For example, a stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124projects above the bearing surface 104 where the computer 1 is to beseated. The stem 272 is sized to pass through both a narrow elongatedslot portion 274 at a distal end of the keyhole 222, and a clearancepassage 276 through the bearing surface 104. Furthermore, the stemportion 272 is cooperatively sized with the narrow slot portion 274 toslide freely along a substantial length thereof, which thus permits theframe 204 to move between the fully retracted position (shown here) andthe fully deployed position (shown in subsequent figures). The stemportion 272 of the safety catch 124 extends from a base portion 278having a shoulder 280 that is oversized relative to the passage 276 sothat the upper body portion's inner surface 224 on the backside of thebearing surface 104 operates as a stop for the safety catch 124.Furthermore, the base portion 278 of the safety catch 124 is too largeto pass through the narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222. However,the keyhole 222 includes an enlarged passage 282 that communicates witha near end 284 of the slot portion 274 and is sized to pass the baseportion 278 of the safety catch 124. As discussed herein, the safetycatch 124 is structured to cooperate with the biasing mechanism 252 thatoperates to reset the sensing means for sensing that the computer'scasing 2 is emplaced on the docking station's bearing surface 104 beforethe expansion connector drive 118 can be operated. By example andwithout limitation, when the biasing mechanism 252 is a conventionalcompression spring, as illustrated here, the base portion 278 of thesafety catch 124 is structured with a cavity or pocket 286 that is sizedto admit a first end portion 288 of the spring 252 and orient the spring252 along a drive axis DS of the safety catch 124 that is by example andwithout limitation oriented substantially perpendicular to the bearingsurface 104 of the upper body portion 102 a. A second end portion 290 ofthe spring 252 is compressed against the inner surface 253 of the lowerbody portion 102 b (omitted here for clarity). Accordingly, the spring252 operates against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102b to drive the safety catch 124 through the security plate 221 and thepassage 276 to project from the bearing surface 104. Thus, the dockingstation's computer sensing means 123 is set and the expansion connector108 is secure against being inadvertently deployed.

FIG. 23 illustrates the docking station 100 being in an intermediatestate of accepting the computer 1 (shown in phantom) with the bottomface 2 a of the casing 2 seated against the docking station's bearingsurface 104. Here, the expansion connector 108 is mounted on theconnector seat 208 at the far end 210 of the frame 204, and theexpansion connector 108 along with the two guide pins or arms 116 a, 116b on opposite sides thereof are still fully retracted within the cavityportion 128 of the housing 126 adjacent to the bearing surface 104 atthe rear face 248 of the upper body portion 102 a.

As discussed herein, when the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 is seatedagainst the docking station's bearing surface 104, as shown, thecompression spring of the biasing mechanism 252 is compressed againstthe inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b (shown in asubsequent figure, removed here for clarity). Accordingly, the safetycatch 124 is pushed into the passage 276 and flush with the bearingsurface 104. Simultaneously, the safety catch's base portion 278, whichis oversized relative to the narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222,is pushed through the keyhole 222 and completely out of the securityplate 221. Only the stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 now extendsthrough the narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222. Thus, thedocking station's computer sensing means 123 recognizes the presence ofthe computer 1 as being firmly seated against the bearing surface 104,and the expansion connector 108 can now be safely deployed.

FIG. 24 illustrates the docking station 100 being in final state ofaccepting the computer 1 (shown in phantom) with the bottom face 2 a ofthe casing 2 seated against the docking station's bearing surface 104.Furthermore, the expansion connector 108 mounted on the connector seat208 is positioned to engage the computer's I/O connector 4. Here, theexpansion connector 108 and the two guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b onopposite sides thereof are shown as being deployed out of the cavityportion 128 of the housing 126 of the upper body portion 102 a.Accordingly, as discussed herein, engagement of the guide pins or arms116 a, 116 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b fine tunespositioning of the expansion connector 108 relative to the computer'sI/O connector 4, whereby operation of the expansion connector drive 118has here caused the expansion connector 108 to engage the computer's I/Oconnector 4, and has here caused the pins (or pin receptors) 122 toengage the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c.

As discussed herein, when the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 is seatedagainst the docking station's bearing surface 104, as shown here, thecompression spring of the biasing mechanism 252 is compressed againstthe inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b (shown in asubsequent figure, removed here for clarity). With the safety catch 124being pushed into the passage 276 and flush with the bearing surface104, the stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 is freely moved alongthe narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222. When only the stemportion 272 of the safety catch 124 extends through the narrow slotportion 274 of the keyhole 222, as here, the security plate 221 is movedalong the drive axis DA toward the front face 172 of the upper bodyportion 102 a for deploying the expansion connector 108. Thus, when thecomputer 1 is firmly seated against the bearing surface 104, theexpansion connector 108 can now be fully deployed (as illustrated) bymoving the frame 204 along the drive axis DA. For example, the frame'shandle 214 (shown in previous figures) is pulled toward the front face172 of the upper body portion 102 a.

The lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catch mechanism 212 is fullyengaged with the lock mechanism 134 provided on the upper body portion102 a. Accordingly, the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a,116 b on either side thereof are configured in the deployed positiondescribed herein, i.e., out of the cavity 128 and extended over thebearing surface 104 for coupling with the computer 1. Until released,the lock mechanism 134 thus constrains the expansion connector 108 toremain in the deployed position, as described herein.

When present, the locking latch mechanism 134 is released by applicationof the key 268 to the key hole 270 and subsequent operation thereof.Else, the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 is operated byapplication of pressure against the latch handle 260.

Upon release of either the locking latch mechanism 134 or non-lockinglatch mechanism 244, the retraction mechanism 246, for example thetension spring shown, automatically retracts the expansion connectordrive mechanism 118 from its deployed position along with the expansionconnector 108. As illustrated by example and without limitation, theframe 204 is automatically retracted from the deployed position adjacentto the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102 a toward theretracted position adjacent to the rear face 248. The guide mechanism226 cooperates with the inner slot 206 to guide the frame 204 toward theretracted position substantially along the drive axis DA. Retraction ofthe frame 204 simultaneously retracts the expansion connector 108 seatedthereon from the computer 1 and into the safe position within the cavity128 of the integral housing portion 126 of the casing upper body 102 aadjacent the rear 115 of the bearing surface 104, where the expansionconnector 108 is out of harm's way during removal of the computer 1, asillustrated and discussed herein.

FIG. 25 illustrates the docking station 100 being in final state ofaccepting the computer 1 (removed for clarity). Furthermore, theexpansion connector 108 mounted on the connector seat 208 is positionedto engage the computer's I/O connector 4, as discussed herein. Here, theexpansion connector 108 and the two guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b onopposite sides thereof are shown as being deployed out of the cavityportion 128 of the housing 126 of the upper body portion 102 a byoperation of the expansion connector drive 118, as discussed herein.

As discussed herein, when the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 is seatedagainst the docking station's bearing surface 104, as shown in previousfigures, the compression spring of the biasing mechanism 252 iscompressed against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102b. By example and without limitation, a cavity or pocket 292 is providedon the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b, the pocket 292being sized to admit the second end portion 290 of the spring 252opposite from the pocket 286 in the safety catch base portion 278, andbeing structured to cooperate with the pocket 286 in the safety catchbase portion 278 for orienting the spring 252 along the drive axis DS ofthe safety catch 124. The spring 252 is thus compressed between the twopockets 286 and 292 for driving the safety catch 124 through thesecurity plate 221 and the passage 276 to project from the bearingsurface 104. Thus, the spring 252 operates to set the docking station'scomputer sensing means 123 for securing the expansion connector 108against inadvertent deployment.

FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are respective top and bottom perspective views thattogether illustrate one embodiment of the frame 204 portion of theexpansion connector drive 118 of the invention. Here, the single-pieceelongated frame 204 is illustrated having the elongated lengthwise innerslot 206 extending nearly the entire length thereof substantially alongthe longitudinal axis L thereof. The integral expanded connector seat208 is positioned at the first distal or far end 210 for mounting theexpansion connector 108 thereon, and includes a pattern of severalmounting holes 294 for attaching the expansion connector 108. Theintegral catch mechanism 212 and integral handle 214 portions are bothpositioned adjacent to the second proximal or near end 216 of the frame204 opposite from the connector seat 208. The handle 214 may beprovided, by example and without limitation, on one side 218 of theframe 204, while the catch mechanism 212 may be provided, by example andwithout limitation, at the near end 216. As discussed herein, the catchmechanism 212 includes the lip portion 242 that is structured tocooperate with either the locking latch mechanism 134 or alternativenon-locking latch mechanism 244 for securely fixing the expansionconnector drive mechanism 118 relative to the upper body portion 102 aof the docking station 100 with the expansion connector 108 in adeployed position. As illustrated here by example and without limitationthe lip portion 242 is integrally formed with the inclined surface 258that cooperates with the inclined surface 257 of the latch mechanism'stooth 254 for helping the to tooth 254 to automatically engage the lipportion 242 when the frame 204 is moved into the position for deployingthe expansion connector 108.

The inclined surface 258 of the lip portion 242 similarly cooperateswith the inclined surface 266 of the retractable tooth 262 of theoptional lock mechanism 134, when present. The inclined surface 258similarly helps the to tooth 262 to automatically engage the lip portion242 when the frame 204 is moved into the position for deploying theexpansion connector 108.

The security mechanism 220 is structured to cooperate with the safetycatch 124 to resist deployment of the expansion connector 108 until thecomputer 1 is seated against the bearing surface 104. Accordingly, theframe 204 includes the integral security plate 221 formed along the side218 thereof and spaced away from the lengthwise inner slot 206 betweenthe connector seat 208 and the handle 214. The keyhole 222 is formed inthe security plate 221 with the narrow slot portion 274 formedsubstantially parallel with the longitudinal axis L and having theenlarged passage 282 communicating with the proximal or near end 284thereof.

The second proximal or near end 216 of the frame 204 includes means forcoupling the resilient biasing mechanism 250 for retracting theexpansion connector 108 from the deployed position along the drive axisDA. By example and without limitation, the second proximal or near end216 of the frame 204 includes a simple clearance hole 298 for couplingthe biasing mechanism 250, i.e., spring 252, between it and the rearface 248 of the upper body portion 102 a, as shown in FIG. 16. Theresilient biasing mechanism 250 thus operates between the upper bodyportion's rear face 248 and the near end 216 of the frame 204 forretracting the expansion connector drive 118 from the deployed positionwhen the locking latch mechanism 134 or alternative non-locking latchmechanism 244 is operated to release the frame's integral catchmechanism 212.

FIG. 28 is perspective view inside the upper body portion 102 a andillustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the presentinvention having a simplified single-piece elongated frame 304 having anelongated lengthwise inner slot 306 extending nearly the entire lengthof the frame 304 substantially along a longitudinal axis LA thereof. Anintegral expanded connector seat 308 is positioned at a first distal orfar end 310 of the frame 304 for mounting the expansion connector 108thereon. An integral catch mechanism 312 and integral handle portion 314are both positioned adjacent to a second proximal or near end 316 of theframe 304 opposite from the connector seat 308. The handle 314 may beprovided, by example and without limitation, on an arm 317 extended fromone side 318 of the frame 304, while the catch mechanism 312 may beprovided, by example and without limitation, at the near end 316. Thecatch mechanism 312 is structured to cooperate with either the lockinglatch mechanism 134 or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 forconstraining the expansion connector 108 to remain in the deployedposition, as described herein.

The lengthwise slot 306 in the alternate frame 304 cooperates with theguide mechanism 226 on the inner surface 224 of the upper body portion102 a opposite from the bearing surface 104 for guiding the frame 304substantially along the drive axis DA, as described herein. By exampleand without limitation, lengthwise slot 306 cooperates with the twoguides 228 of the guide mechanism 226 that are arranged on the upperbody portion's inner surface 224 in spaced apart positions along thedrive axis DA. By example and without limitation, the two guides 228 areoptionally provided as one or more slides that permit the frame 304 toslide freely along the drive axis DA. Alternatively, the guides 228 areoptionally formed as wheels or rollers that rotate about respectiveaxles or hubs 232 provided on the upper body portion's inner surface224. The axles or hubs 232 may be configured to space the guides 228slightly away from the upper body portion's inner surface 224 for easierrotation. The frame 304 is constrained to move relative to the upperbody portion's inner surface 224 along the drive axis DA by one or morekeepers 240 (shown in phantom). For example, a pair of disc-shapedkeepers 240 are secured to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 byone or more fasteners 236 for constraining the frame 304 to move alongthe drive axis DA. The one or more keepers 240 also operate to constrainthe guide wheels 228, when present; in a position for cooperating withthe inner slot 306 of the frame 304. Other structures for the guidemechanism 226 are also contemplated and may be substituted withoutdeviating from the scope and intent of the present invention.

The alternate frame 304 is structured such that, when the expansionconnector 108 is mounted on the connector seat 308 at the far end 310 ofthe frame 304, it fits within the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126and extends above the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102a. The alternate frame 304 is moveable, either by sliding or rolling, incooperation with the guide mechanism 226 across the inner surface 224 ofthe upper body portion 102 a and along the drive axis DA.

A security mechanism 320 is structured to cooperate with the safetycatch 124 to resist deployment of the expansion connector 108 until thecomputer 1 is seated against the bearing surface 104 and the computer'sI/O connector 4 is positioned to receive the expansion connector 108.Similar to the security mechanism 220 of the frame 204 discussed herein,by example and without limitation, the security mechanism 320 of thealternate frame 304 is provided in an integral security plate 321formed, by example and without limitation, along the side 318 of theframe 304 and spaced away from the lengthwise inner slot 306, forexample, between the connector seat 308 and the handle 314. The securitymechanism 320 is provided as a keyhole 322 formed in the security plate321, the keyhole 322 being structured for cooperating with the safetycatch 124 such that, when the safety catch 124 is engaged with thekeyhole 322, the frame 304 cannot be moved relative to the casing'supper body portion 102 a. For example, the keyhole 322 includes at adistal end thereof a narrow slot portion 324 sized to freely move thestem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 along a substantial lengththereof so that the frame 304 is permitted to move between the fullyretracted position (shown here) and the fully deployed position (shownin previous figures). The keyhole 322 also includes an enlarged passage326 that communicates with a near end 328 of the slot portion 324 and issized to pass the base portion 278 of the safety catch 124 for disarmingthe safety catch 124.

Similar to the novel expansion connector drive mechanism 118 operatedwith the frame 204, here the novel expansion connector drive mechanism118 of the invention is operated by first depressing the safety catch124 relative to the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102 a,for example by seating the bottom face 2 a of the computer casing 2against the bearing surface 104. Depressing the safety catch 124simultaneously disengages the safety catch 124 of the security mechanism320 from the cooperating keyhole portion 322 in the security plate 321,which thereby permits the frame 304 to move along the frame drive axisDA. The handle 314 of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 ispulled parallel to the drive axis DA toward the front face 172 of thecasing's upper body portion 102 a, which in turn pulls the expansionconnector 108 and guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side thereof intothe deployed position described herein, i.e., the expansion connector108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over the bearing surface 104. Aintegral lip portion 330 of the frame's integral catch mechanism 312engages either the locking latch mechanism 134 (shown) or thealternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 provided on the upper bodyportion 102 a. The locking latch mechanism 134 (shown) or alternativenon-locking latch mechanism 244 constrains the expansion connector 108to remain in the deployed position, as described herein. As illustrated,the a retractable tooth 262 of the lock mechanism 134 automaticallyengages the lip 330 when the alternate frame 304 is moved into theposition for deploying the expansion connector 108 as discussed herein.For example, an inclined lead surface 332 on the frame's lip portion 330cooperates with the lead surface 258 to automatically engage the tooth262 of the lock mechanism 134 when the alternate frame 304 is moved intothe position for deploying the expansion connector 108.

The retraction mechanism 246 automatically retracts the expansionconnector 108 from the deployed position by pulling the frame 304 alongthe drive axis DA away from the upper body portion's front face 172toward its rear face 248. By example and without limitation, the biasingmechanism 250, such as a tension spring (shown), is coupled between therear face 248 and a simple catchment 334 at the second or near end 316of the frame 304 adjacent to the handle 314. The biasing mechanism 250operates between the rear face 248 the catchment 334 for retracting theframe 304 toward the rear face 248. The biasing mechanism 250 therebyoperates to retract the expansion connector 108 from the deployedposition when the locking latch mechanism 134 (shown) or alternativenon-locking latch mechanism 244 is operated to release the frame'sintegral catch mechanism 312.

Alternatively, a compression spring 335 is substituted for thecompression spring as the biasing mechanism 250 of the retractionmechanism 246 for automatically retracting the expansion connector 108from the deployed position. The compression spring 335 operates bypushing the frame 304 along the drive axis DA away from the upper bodyportion's front face 172 toward its rear face 248.

As disclosed herein, the safety catch 124 will not interfere withretraction of the alternate frame 304. However, the biasing mechanism252 operates to reset the sensing means for sensing that the computer'scasing 2 is emplaced on the docking station's bearing surface 104 beforethe expansion connector drive 118 can be operated.

FIG. 29 is an upside-down close-up view showing the edge mounting holes148 formed along the mutual contact line 103 between the upper and lowerbody portions 102 a, 102 b of the docking station's two-piece body 102.As discussed herein, the edge mounting holes 148 each provide novelmeans for holding for example but not limited to a square- or hex-shapedmechanical nut N with its threaded bore aligned with the respectivemounting hole 148 substantially parallel with the bearing surface 104and perpendicular to respective side faces 152 and 154 of the upper andlower body portions 102 a; 102 b. Any external device can be threadedlyattached to the body 102 by means of the shaft S of a screw or bolt Bbeing inserted into a selected one of the edge mounting holes 148 andthreaded into the bore of the nut N.

The edge mounting holes 148 are formed by a pair of mating shapes 336and 338 formed in the docking station's two-piece body 102 through themating upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b. The shapes 336, 338meet along the mutual contact line 103. By example and withoutlimitation, the edge mounting holes 148 are formed by a pair of matingsemi-circular holes 336 and 338 formed in the docking station'stwo-piece body 102 through the mating upper and lower body portions 102a, 102 b along the mutual contact line 103. However, the mating holes336, 338 may alternatively be different in shape from semi-circular, forexample, the holes 336, 338 may be mating rectangular shapes that form asquare hole when mated, or semi-hexagonal shapes that form a hexagonalshape when mated, or another combination of shapes that form an apertureadjacent to the mating line 103 of the upper and lower body portions 102a, 102 b, and such shapes may be substituted for the semi-circularshapes illustrated without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Furthermore, the entire shape of the resultant edge mountingholes 148 may be alternatively formed in the edge of either one of theupper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. For example, as illustrated by theedge mounting hole 148 at the far left of the figure, the edge mountingholes 148 may alternatively be formed as a generally “U” or “V” orsquare-shaped hole 336 entirely within an edge portion 340 of one of theside faces 154 of the lower body portion 102 b, or the front 172 or rearface 248, while the mating hole is entirely eliminated from the upperbody portion 102 a, and the shape 338 is an edge portion 342 of anopposite face 154, 174 or 248 of the upper body portion 102 a that isexposed by the hole 336 in the lower body portion 102 b, whereby theedge mounting hole 148 is formed by the shaped hole 336 that is closedby the mating shape 338 of the upper body portion's exposed edge portion342. Alternatively, as illustrated by the edge mounting hole 148 at thecenter of the figure, the edge mounting holes 148 may alternatively beformed as a generally “U” or “V” or square-shaped hole 338 entirelywithin the edge portion 342 of the upper body portion 102 a, while themating hole 336 is entirely eliminated from the lower body portion 102b, and the shape 336 is the edge portion 340 of the lower body portion102 b that is exposed by the hole 338 in the upper body portion 102 a,whereby the edge mounting hole 148 is formed by the shaped hole 338 thatis closed by the mating shape 336 of the lower body portion's exposededge portion 340.

Each of the edge mounting holes 148 is backed by a respective nut pocket346 formed by an open well 348. As illustrated by the cross-sectionalview of the edge mounting hole 148 and corresponding nut pocket 346, thewell 348 of the integral nut pocket 346 is formed in one of the upperbody portion 102 a or the lower body portion 102 b (shown). The well 348is generally rectangular in cross-section and extends through the bottomplane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b past the contact line 103. Thewell 348 is formed having an opening 350 formed in the bottom plane 156of the lower body portion 102 b (shown) or adjacent to the bearingsurface 104 in the upper body portion 102 a. The nut pocket's well 348and opening 350 thereto are sized to admit a nut N of a desired size,such as #2, #4, #6, #8, #10, ¼ inch, or metric size nut or bolt head H.For example, the well 348 is formed by a pair of spaced apart rigid sidewalls 352 and 354 that extend inwardly of the side face 154 of the lowerbody portion 102 b and downwardly of the bottom plane 156 andsubstantially perpendicular to each. The side walls 352, 354 aresufficiently spaced to easily admit the nut N of the desired sizewithout being significantly oversized such that the nut N cannot rotatein the well 348. The side walls 352, 354 may include a slight draftangle from the opening 350 toward the contact line 103. The matingshapes 336, 338 along the contact line 103 are correspondingly sized toadmit the shaft of the bolt B sized to mate with the nut N.

FIG. 30 illustrates that an extension portion 356 of each well 348extends past the contact line 103. The extension portion 356 closes theend of the corresponding well 348. The extension portion 356 isoptionally formed integrally with the corresponding well 348, and mayoptionally be formed into a point having integral bottom walls 358 and360 that are contiguous along a corner 362 in the central bottom of thenut pockets wet 348. Additionally, the bottom walls 358, 360 mayoptionally form an included angle 363 therebetween centered about thecorner 362, the included angle 363 being constructed to mate with theangled walls of the nut N of the desired size and shape, i.e., square orhex. For example, the included angle 363 between the bottom walls 358,360 is structured to mate with the nut N such as a square or hex nut(shown), whereby the nut N is constrained from turning when torque isapplied during insertion and tightening of the screw or bolt B. Forexample, the angle 363 formed by the bottom walls 358, 360 is about 90degrees to accommodate a square nut. Alternatively, the angle 363 isabout 120 degrees to accommodate a hex nut.

The extension portion 356 of the well 348 may be integral with the sidewalls 352, 354 (shown at center and right) and extended from the upperor lower body portion 102 b (shown) past the contact line 103 toward theopposite lower or upper body portion 102 a (shown). As illustrated(center and right) the nut pockets 346 are optionally fully formed inthe selected upper body portion 102 a or lower body portion 102 b(shown). Alternatively, as illustrated by the nut pocket 340 (far left)the extension portion 356 is optionally formed in the opposing bodyportion 102 a (shown) and positioned to align with the walls 352, 354 ofthe well 348.

Each nut pocket's well 348 also includes a backing panel 364 that isoptionally integral with the wells side walls 352, 354 and is spacedaway from the side faces 152 and 154 of the upper and lower bodyportions 102 a, 102 b sufficiently to admit the nut N of desired size.The backing panel 364 is a means for constraining the nut N from backingaway from the edge hole 148 when the screw or bolt B is applied thereto.

Also illustrated here is the simplicity of operation of the nut pockets346. Here, the nut pocket 346 is operated by simply dropping the nut Nof the appropriate size through the opening 350 into the well 348corresponding to the selected edge mounting hole 148 with two of thenut's parallel sides S1 and S2 oriented substantially parallel with thewell's side walls 352, 354, as illustrated. Thereafter, the nut N fallsinto the extension portion 356 at the end of the well 348 and nestsbetween the side walls 352, 354 and the bottom walls 358, 360 of theextension 356 that combine to form the bottom of the well 348. Upon thenut N nesting in the extension portion 356 of the well 348, the nut'sthreaded bore N substantially automatically self-aligns with the edgemounting hole 148. Thereafter, the screw or bolt B of the appropriatesize is inserted through the corresponding hole 148 and threaded intothe nut's bore Nb for attaching a desired edge attachment.

FIG. 31 is a section view of the nut pockets 346 taken from inside thetwo-piece body 102 of the docking station 100 of the invention. Here,the nut pocket 346 (far left) is illustrated having the extensionportion 356 optionally formed in the opposing body portion 102 a (shown)and positioned in alignment with the walls 352, 354 of the well 348.

This view also illustrates two of a plurality of optional tabs 366 thatextend between the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b foralignment therebetween.

FIG. 32 is a section view of the nut pockets 346 taken from inside thetwo-piece body 102 of the docking station 100 of the invention. Here,the nut pocket 346 (far left) is illustrated having the extensionportion 356 optionally formed in the opposing body portion 102 a (shown)and positioned in alignment with the walls 352, 354 of the well 348. Thenut N is illustrated as being installed in the nut pocket 346 with thescrew or bolt B inserted through the edge mounting hole 148 and matedwith the nut N. The screw or bolt B is thereby positioned to secure anexternal object O (shown in phantom) to the sides 152, 154 of the upperand lower body portions 102 a, 102 b of the docking station 100 of theinvention.

FIG. 33 illustrates the nut N installed in the nut pocket 346 with thescrew or bolt B inserted through the edge mounting hole 148 and matedwith the nut N. The screw or bolt B is thereby positioned to secure theexternal object O (shown in phantom) to the sides 152, 154 of the upperand lower body portions 102 a, 102 b of the docking station 100 of theinvention.

FIG. 34 illustrates lower body portion 102 b with the upper body portion102 a removed for clarity. Here, the nut pockets 346 are illustrated asbeing optionally fully formed in the selected upper body portion 102 aor lower body portion 102 b (shown). The extension portion 356 of thewell 348 is integral with the side walls 352, 354 and extended from theupper or lower body portion 102 b (shown) past the contact line 103toward the opposite lower or upper body portion 102 a (shown). The nut Nis illustrated as being installed in the nut pocket 346 with the screwor bolt B inserted through the edge mounting hole 148 and mated with thenut N.

FIG. 35 illustrates one of the edge mounting holes 148 alternativelyformed with a screw or bolt pocket 368 formed by example and withoutlimitation as a pair of mating pockets 370 and 372 (shown in asubsequent figure) integrally formed on inside surfaces 374 and 376 ofthe respective lower body portion 102 b and upper body portion 102 a andadjacent to the respective edges 340 and 342 thereof. The pocket 370 isformed by example and without limitation as a construction of integralwalls 378 interconnected along corners 380 and a backing panel 382integrated with the walls 378. The pockets 370, 372 mate along thecontact line 103 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b insubstantial alignment with the corresponding shaped holes 336, 338 thatform the edge mounting hole 148. The screw pockets 368 are optionallyformed with a substantially square shape to accommodate a square-headscrew or bolt of a desired size, or may be formed with a substantiallyhexagonal shape (shown) to accommodate a hex-head screw or bolt of thedesired size. Each screw pocket 368 is thus structured to mate with thesquare or hex head of the screw or bolt B, whereby the screw or bolt Bis constrained from turning when torque is applied during installationand tightening of the mating nut N for securing the external object.

FIG. 36 is a section view of one of the screw pockets 368 taken frominside the two-piece body 102 of the docking station 100 of theinvention. Here, the screw pocket 368 is illustrated having the matingpockets 370 and 372 integrally formed on inside surfaces 374 and 376 ofthe respective lower body portion 102 b and upper body portion 102 a andadjacent to the respective edges 340 and 342 thereof. The mating pockets370 and 372 are illustrated with the respective backing panels 382removed for clarity. The mating pockets 370 and 372 are positioned inalignment with the shaped holes 336, 338 that form the correspondingedge mounting hole 148 (shown in previous figures). The screw pockets368 are optionally formed with a substantially square shape toaccommodate the head H of the square-head screw or bolt B of a desiredsize, or may be formed with a substantially hexagonal shape (shown) toaccommodate a hex-head screw or bolt B of the desired size.

FIG. 37 illustrates the screw pocket 368 being alternatively configuredto accommodate a carriage bolt Bc (shown in phantom) wherein the pocket368 is formed having integral near and far portions 384 and 386substantially aligned with the shaped nut hole 338 (or 336), and theintegral backing panel 364. The near portion 384 adjacent to the wall152 (or 154) of the body portion 102 a (or 102 b) is formed as one halfof a square, either as an approximately 90 degree “V” shape or arectangle (shown) that is sized to accept a square base portion Bc1 ofthe carriage bolt head Bch without turning when the nut N is installedand tightened. The far portion 386 spaced away from the wall 152 of thebody portion 102 a by the depth of the near portion 384 is structured toaccept a round pan portion Bc2 of the carriage bolt Bc. By example andwithout limitation, the far portion 386 of the screw pocket 368 is a “V”shape or a rectangle shape (shown) aligned with the shaped hole 338 (or336) and sized to accept the round pan portion Bc2 of the carriage boltBc.

FIG. 38 is a section view of the screw or carriage bolt pocket 368 takenfrom inside the two-piece body 102 of the docking station 100 of theinvention. Here, the carriage bolt pocket 368 is illustrated by exampleand without limitation as having the far portion 386 of the screw pocket368 being a semi-cylindrical shape aligned with the shaped hole 338 (or336) and sized to accept the round pan portion Bc2 of the carriage boltBc.

FIG. 39 illustrates the novel display unit support 142 of the inventionthat is structured for supporting the computer's flat display unit 9.The display unit support 142 includes an elongated rigid support arm 388having a first pivot end portion 390 that is pivotally coupled to thedocking station body 102, the rigid support arm 388 being pivotal abouta pivot axis 392 in a plane 394 that is substantially parallel andadjacent to the side faces 152, 154 of the body portions 102 a, 102 band substantially perpendicular to the upper body portion's bearingsurface 104. By example and without limitation, the pivot end 390 of thesupport arm 388 is coupled in a pivotal relationship with the two-piecebody 102 by a pivot mechanism 398. For example, the pivot mechanism 398operates about the pivot axis 392 between a hub portion 400 of the body102 and an enlarged shoulder portion 402 at the pivot end 390 of the arm388. According to one optional embodiment of the display unit support142, the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 rotates about apivot axle 404 (shown in one or more subsequent figures) that is alignedalong the pivot axis 392 and extends between a hub portion 400 of thebody 102 and the arm's shoulder portion 402. Alternative embodiments ofthe pivot mechanism 398 may be substituted without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

The support arm 388 is constrained to operate about the pivot mechanism398 with the shoulder portion 402 abutting the body's hub portion 400 bythe pivot mechanism 398. By example and without limitation, the axle-404is optionally a screw or bolt passed through one of the edge mountingholes 148 of the type described herein and threaded into a nut 406(shown in one or more subsequent figures) in one of the nut pockets 346of the type described herein. Thereafter, a knob or handle 408 on theaxle 404 is operated for tightening and loosening of the shoulderportion 402 of the support arm 388 vis-à-vis the hub portion 400 of thebody 102 by turning relative to the nut 406 in the nut pocket 346 of thebody 102. Thus, the handle 408 on the head portion 410 of the axle 404operates against an outside face 412 of the shoulder portion 402 of thesupport arm 388 to compress the shoulder portion 402 against the body'shub 400. Accordingly, friction between the shoulder portion 402 and thehub 400 caused by tightening of the handle 408 on the head portion 410of the axle 404 constrains the support arm 388 to remain in a selectedrotational orientation with the upper body portion's bearing surface104. The display unit support 142 thus constrains the computer's flatdisplay unit 9 in the selected rotational orientation. The rotationalorientation of the support arm 388 of the display unit support 142 withthe upper body portion's bearing surface 104 is thus infinitelyadjustable by alternately loosening and tightening the handle 408.

The novel display unit support 142 of the invention also includes anovel display unit clamping mechanism 414 adjacent to a second extremesupport end portion 416 of the rigid support arm 388 opposite from thefirst pivot end portion 390. By example and without limitation, thedisplay unit clamping mechanism 414 adjacent to the second support endportion 416 of the support arm 388 is structured as a spring-loaded vicefor constraining the display unit 9 relative to the support end portion416 of the support arm 388. Accordingly, the display unit 9 is pinchedbetween an integral substantially rigid anvil 418 and a separate androtatable substantially rigid jaw 420. By example and withoutlimitation, the clamping mechanism 414 includes the substantially rigidanvil 418 being integral with the elongated support arm 388. Thesupporting anvil 418 is extended laterally to a longitudinal axis 422 ofthe support arm 388 to an extent 423 that at least an end portion 424 ofthe anvil 418 distal from the support arm 388 is projected into space ina position opposite from a portion of the bearing surface 104 in thevicinity of either one of the pair of fixedly positioned locating pins114 a and 114 b (shown) and spaced away from the computer bearingsurface 104 by several inches. The anvil 418 is formed with an arcuatesupport surface 426 that is curved in a part-cylindrical convex shapecovering an extended arc having a substantially smooth face alignedgenerally with the longitudinal axis 422 of the elongated support arm388 and facing toward the front face 172 of the body 102 a such that thehard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9 is supported in anupright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of thecomputer casing 2 by resting against the arcuate support surface 426 ofthe anvil 418, as illustrated herein.

The separate substantially rigid jaw 420 includes a first proximatebarrel-shaped knuckle portion 428 that is projected inward of asubstantially rigid finger 430. The knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420is coupled to the anvil 418 adjacent to a heal portion 432 thereofproximate to the end portion 416 of the support arm 388. The knuckleportion 428 spaces the rigid finger 430 away from the arcuate supportsurface 426 of the anvil 418 by a variable short distance 434 that isadjustably configured to permit the flat display unit 9 of the computer1 to fit therebetween. The short distance 434 by which the finger 430 isspaced away from the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 isadjustable to accept therebetween different thicknesses t of flatdisplay units 9 of different computers 1 (illustrated in FIG. 1). Theshort distance 434 is also variable as discussed herein to permit theflat display units 9 to rotate to different orientations with thekeyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2, while remainingconstrained against the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 bythe jaw 420.

Furthermore, an integral hard nub or button 436 (more clearly shown inone or more subsequent figures) is optionally projected slightly from aninward facing surface 438 of the rigid finger 430 adjacent to a secondend 440 thereof distal from the first proximate knuckle portion 428thereof, as more clearly shown in subsequent Figures. The jaw 420 isthus positioned in a resilient pinching relationship to the anvil 418such as to capture the display unit 9 between the arcuate supportsurface 426 of the anvil 418 and the nub 436 projected from the distalend 440 of the rigid finger 430. Thus, the display screen surfaceportion 9 a of the display unit 9 is supported in an upright positionrelative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2by the rigid jaw 420, as illustrated herein. Accordingly, the displayunit 9 of the computer 1 is constrained from falling backward away fromthe keyboard 7 by the anvil 418, and is simultaneously constrained fromfalling forward toward the keyboard 7 by the jaw 420.

The display unit clamping mechanism 414 also includes a variablepressure resilient biasing mechanism 442 (detailed in a subsequentfigure) that resiliently biases the jaw 420 toward the arcuate supportsurface 426 of the anvil 418 in the resilient pinching relationshipdescribed herein. By example and without limitation, the biasingmechanism 442 automatically varies the spacing distance 434 along aresiliently telescoping drive axis 444 to accommodate the varyingcross-sectional thickness of the display unit 9 of the computer 1 of theprior art as the display unit 9 is rotated relative to the top face 2 bof the computer casing 2 about its hinge axis h into different uprightpositions at the back of the keyboard 7.

FIG. 40 illustrates the novel display unit support 142 of the inventionin a stored position having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivotaxis 392 toward the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102 a,and the anvil 418 is nested in the edge recess 139. The edge recess 139,is sized such that the anvil 418 is nested below the bearing surface 104so as not to interfere with seating of the computer 1. The knob 408 maybe tightened to secure the support arm 388 in the stored position.

FIG. 41 is a side view that illustrates the jaw 420 of the display unitsupport 142 of the invention being rotated about the resilientlytelescoping drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442 into substantialalignment with the support arm 388 during storing of the display unitsupport 142. When rotated into this rest position, the jaw 420 does notinterfere with nesting of the anvil 418 in the edge recess 139. Here,the resiliently telescoping drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442is illustrated as being substantially linear, however, curvature in thetelescoping drive axis 444 is also contemplated for the biasingmechanism 442 and may substituted therefor without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 42 illustrates the docking station 100 of the invention with thenovel display, unit support 142 in an active position having the supportarm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clampingmechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in an open upright positionrelative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2.Accordingly, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shellbacking portion 9 b of the display unit 9. Here, the jaw 420 isillustrated as being rotated about the telescoping drive axis 444 intosubstantial alignment with the support arm 388. Accordingly, the jaw 420does not interfere with closing the display unit 9 over the top face 2 bof the computer casing 2. The knob 408 may be tightened to secure thesupport arm 388 in the active position.

FIG. 43 illustrates the docking station 100 of the invention with thenovel display unit support 142 in an active position having the supportarm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clampingmechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in an open upright positionrelative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2.Here, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell backingportion 9 b of the display unit 9. Furthermore, the jaw 420 isillustrated as being rotated into its active position supporting thedisplay screen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9 in the uprightposition relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computercasing 2. The display unit 9 is thus constrained in the upright positionby the resilient pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418.As illustrated, the button 436 at the second end 440 of the inwardfacing surface 438 of the rigid finger 430 presses against the displayscreen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9.

Furthermore, as illustrated here, the second end 440 of the rigid finger430 extends sufficiently from the jaw 420 that the button 436 on theinward facing surface 438 thereof is extended over the hard shell lipportion 9 c of the display unit 9 onto the display screen 9 d, The rigidfinger 430 thus wraps around the hard shell lip portion 9 c of thedisplay unit 9, and the button 436 thus falls below the lip portion 9 conto the display screen 9 d. Accordingly, the novel display unitclamping mechanism 414 is constrained from slipping laterally off of thelip portion 9 c and inadvertently releasing the display unit 9.

FIGS. 44 through 50 illustrate that the arcuate support surface 426 ofthe anvil 418 permits the backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9 toroll thereabout in smooth substantially constant contact during rotationrelative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2.Simultaneously therewith the rigid jaw 420 constrains the display unit 9to follow rotations of the support arm 388 about the pivot axis 392. Forexample, the integral hard nub or button 436 on the tip 440 of the rigidfinger 430 presses against the display screen 9 d and forces the displayscreen surface 9 a toward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil418.

FIG. 44 also illustrates the docking station 100 of the invention withthe novel display unit support 142 in the active position of FIG. 43having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with thedisplay unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in anopen upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b ofthe computer casing 2. Here, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting thehard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9, while the jaw 420is positioned supporting the display screen surface portion 9 a. Thedisplay unit 9 is thus constrained in the upright position between thejaw 420 and the anvil 418.

FIG. 45 is a side view of the docking station 100 having the displayunit support 142 in one active position, as illustrated in previousfigures, having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392with the display unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit9 in one open over-center position relative to the keyboard 7 on the topface 2 b of the computer casing 2. In this active over-center position,the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9b of the display unit 9. The jaw 420 is rotated into its active positionsupporting the display screen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9in the upright over-center position relative to the keyboard 7 on thetop face 2 b of the computer casing 2. The display unit 9 is thusconstrained in the open over-center position by the resilient pinceraction of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418.

FIG. 46 is an opposite side view of the display unit support 142 in theactive position of FIG. 45 for constraining the display unit 9 in theopen over-center position by the resilient pincer action of the jaw 420relative to the anvil 418. Here, the knob 408 is tightened to secure thesupport arm 388 in the active over-center position.

FIG. 47 is a side view of the docking station 100 having the displayunit support 142 in another active position having the support arm 388rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clampingmechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in a substantially verticalupright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of thecomputer casing 2. In this active upright position, the anvil 418 ispositioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the displayunit 9. The jaw 420 is rotated into its active position supporting thedisplay screen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9 in the uprightposition relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computercasing 2. The display unit 9 is thus constrained in the upright positionby the resilient pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418.

FIG. 48 is an opposite side view of the display unit support 142 in theactive position of FIG. 47 for constraining the display unit 9 in thesubstantially vertical upright position by the resilient pincer actionof the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. Here, the knob 408 istightened to secure the support arm 388 in the upright position.

FIG. 49 is a side view of the docking station 100 having the displayunit support 142 in another active position having the support arm 388rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clampingmechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in another open positionhaving the display unit 9 in an extreme over-center upright positionrelative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2.In this active extreme over-center position, the anvil 418 is positionedsupporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9. Thejaw 420 is rotated into its active position supporting the displayscreen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9 in the extremeover-center open position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 bof the computer casing 2. The display unit 9 is thus constrained in theextreme over-center open position by the resilient pincer action of thejaw 420 relative to the anvil 418.

FIG. 50 is an opposite side view of the display unit support 142 in theactive position of FIG. 49 for constraining the display unit 9 in theextreme over-center open position by the resilient pincer action of thejaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. Here, the knob 408 is tightened tosecure the support arm 388 in the extreme over-center position.

FIG. 51 illustrates by example and without limitation the pivotmechanism 398 that constrains the support arm 388 to operate about thepivot axis 392 with the shoulder portion 402 abutting the body's hubportion 400. By example and without limitation, when the pivot axle 404is a screw or bolt such as a shoulder bolt, it includes a first threadedend 450 that is sized to pass through one of the body's edge mountingholes 148 of the type described herein. The threaded end 450 of thescrew or bolt type pivot axle 404 is threaded into the nut 406 installedin one of the nut pockets 346 of the type described herein, wherein thenut 406 is optionally a lock nut of the hex variety. Additionally, ashaft portion 452 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 passesthrough a complementary rotational clearance bore 454 which is formedthrough the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 and which issized to rotate smoothly about the pivot axle shaft portion 452. Thehead portion 410 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 distal fromthe body 102 is by example and without limitation constrained in arecessed nut pocket 456 formed in the knob or handle 408. The knob 408constrains the head portion 410 of the pivot axle 404 for tightening andloosening of the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 vis-à-visthe hub portion 400 of the body 102 by turning relative to the nut 406in the nut pocket 346 of the body 102. Thus, the handle 408 on the headportion 410 of the pivot axle 404 operates against the outside face 412of the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 to compress an insideface 458 the shoulder portion 402 against an outside face 460 of the hub400. Accordingly, friction between the inside face 458 the shoulderportion 402 against an outside face 460 of the hub 400 constrains thesupport arm 388 to remain in a selected rotational orientation with theupper body portion's bearing surface 104, whereby the display unitsupport 142 constrains the computer's flat display unit 9 in theselected rotational orientation. The rotational orientation of thesupport arm 388 of the display unit support 142 is thus infinitelyadjustable relative to the upper body portion's bearing surface 104.

Alternative embodiments of the pivot mechanism 398 may be substitutedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 52 illustrates by example and without limitation one alternativeconfiguration of the pivot mechanism 398 wherein the head portion 410 ofthe screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 is constrained in the one of thebody's nut pockets 346. The shaft portion 452 of the pivot axle, 404passes through the body's edge mounting holes 148 and extends throughthe complementary rotational clearance bore 454 which is formed throughthe shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388. The threaded end 450 ofthe pivot axle 404 is threaded into a complementary threaded bore 462 inthe knob 408, which is operable for tightening and loosening of theshoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 vis-à-vis the hub portion400 of the body 102 by turning relative to the pivot axle 404.

FIG. 53 illustrates by example and without limitation anotheralternative configuration of the pivot mechanism 398. For example, anoptional resilient biasing mechanism 470 may be provided for biasing theshoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 toward the face 460 on thehub portion 400 of the body 102. By example and without limitation, theoptional resilient biasing mechanism 470 may be formed of a conventionalcompression spring 472 installed inside an enlarged counter-bore 474formed in the shoulder portion 402 through an opening 476 in the outsideface 412 of the shoulder portion 402. The spring portion 418 of thebiasing mechanism 470 is constrained between a floor portion 478 of thecounter-bore 420 and the head portion 410 of the screw or bolt typepivot axle 404. Optionally, a washer 480 may be inserted between thebolt head 410 and the compression spring 472. The spring portion 418 ofthe biasing mechanism 470 thus operates against the floor portion 478 ofthe counter-bore 474 to compress the inside face 458 of the shoulderportion 402 of the support arm 388 against the outside face 460 of thebody's hub portion 400.

Alternative embodiments of the resilient biasing mechanism 470 may besubstituted without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Additionally, a ratcheting mechanism 482 is optionally provided forsecuring the support arm 388 in rotational relationship with the bearingsurface 104 of the body portion 102 a. By example and withoutlimitation, a first quantity of one or more teeth 484 are provided onthe outside face 460 of the hub 400 portion of the body 102 in avariable intermeshing relationship with a quantity of one or morenotches 486 formed on the inside face 458 the arm's shoulder portion402. The intermeshing teeth 428 and notches 430 permit the arm to besecured in a desired rotational relationship with the body 102 forsupporting the computer's display unit 9 in a desired discreteorientation relative to the docking station's computer bearing surface104.

FIG. 54 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel displayunit clamping mechanism 414 of the display unit support 142 of theinvention in an active configuration clamping the display unit 9 in anopen position relative to the computer casing 2. The novel display unitclamping mechanism 414 is positioned adjacent to a second extremesupport end portion 416 of the rigid support arm 388 opposite from thefirst pivot end portion 390. By example and without limitation, thedisplay unit clamping mechanism 414 adjacent to the second support endportion 416 of the support arm 388 is a hand for constraining thedisplay unit 9 relative to the support end portion 416 of the supportarm 388. As discussed herein, by example and without limitation, theclamping mechanism 414 includes the substantially rigid anvil 418 thatis integral with the elongated support arm 388. The anvil 418 isextended laterally to a longitudinal axis 422 of the support arm 388with its end portion 424 being projected into space in a position abovethe bearing surface 104. The arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil418 is curved in the convex shape that covers an extended arc having anaxis of rotation 488 (best shown in one or more previous figures). Thecenter of rotation 488 is oriented generally parallel with pivot axis392 of the support arm 388, substantially lateral of the longitudinalaxis 422, and substantially crosswise of the linear telescoping driveaxis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442. The smooth arcuate supportsurface 426 is directed generally toward the front face 172 of the body102 a for supporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the displayunit 9. Optionally, the support surface 426 of the anvil 418 is coveredwith a vibration absorbent material 427. By example and withoutlimitation, the vibration absorbent material 427 is a pad or adherentcoating of a sponge-like or rubber-like material such as a natural orsynthetic elastomer.

The first proximate knuckle portion 428 of the separate jaw 420 ismovably coupled to the anvil 418 adjacent to the heal portion 432thereof. The finger portion 430 of the jaw 420 is thus spaced away fromthe arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 by the variable shortdistance 434 that is adjustably configured to permit the flat displayunit 9 of the computer 1 to fit therebetween. The jaw 420 is arrangedfor example in a telescoping arrangement with the anvil 418 whereby theshort spacing distance 434 between the finger portion 430 of the jaw 420and the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 is adjustable toaccept different thicknesses of flat display units 9 of differentcomputers 1 therebetween. Furthermore, the integral hard nub or button436 is optionally projected slightly from the inside surface 438 of therigid finger 430 adjacent to its distal tip 440. The jaw 420 is thuspositioned in a resilient pinching relationship to the anvil 418 such asto capture the display unit 9 between the arcuate support surface 426and the projected nub 436 on the tip 440 of the rigid finger 430. Thus,the display unit 9 is compressed against the arcuate support surface 426of the anvil 418 by the hard nub 436 on the tip 440 of the rigid finger430, as illustrated herein.

The display unit clamping mechanism 414 also includes the variablepressure resilient biasing mechanism 442 that resiliently biases the jaw420 toward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 to form theresilient pinching relationship described herein. By example and withoutlimitation, the biasing mechanism 442 automatically varies the spacingdistance 434 to accommodate a varying cross-sectional thickness of thedisplay unit 9 as it is rotated about its hinge axis h relative to thetop face 2 b of the computer casing 2 into different upright positionsat the back of the keyboard 7.

By example and without limitation, the biasing mechanism 442 isconstructed along the longitudinal telescoping drive axis 444 that isoriented generally crosswise of both the longitudinal axis 422 of thesupport arm 388 and the center of rotation 488 of the arcuate supportsurface 426 of the anvil 418. By example and without limitation, thebiasing mechanism 442 includes a compression spring 490 recessed insidea tubular spring cavity 492 that is counter-bored in a barrel-shapedspring casing 494 of the heal portion 432 at the support end portion 416of the rigid support arm 388. The tubular spring cavity 492 issubstantially aligned along the telescoping drive axis 444 of thebiasing mechanism 442. The tubular spring cavity 492 has a full sizeinput opening 496 at it outer end, and terminates in a floor portion 498at its inner end.

As discussed herein above, the jaw 420 is optionally arranged in aresilient telescoping arrangement with the anvil 418: Accordingly, atelescoping mechanism 499 is provided between the jaw 420 and anvil 418portions of the clamping mechanism 414. By example and withoutlimitation, a smaller guide pin portion 500 of the heal portion 432 ofthe anvil 418 extends from the barrel-shaped cavity 494 along thetelescoping drive axis 444. The guide pin portion 500 of the healportion 432 is formed therethrough with a tubular clearance bore 502that communicates between the floor 498 of the tubular spring cavity 492and an opening 504 at the clearance bore's outer tip 506. The tubularclearance bore 502 through the guide pin portion 500 is sized tocomplement a restraining mechanism 508 such as a screw, bolt or otherfastener.

The barrel-shaped knuckle portion 428 of the separate jaw 420 isprojected inward of the inward facing surface 438 of the rigid finger430 along the telescoping drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442.The barrel-shaped knuckle portion 428 is formed with a complementarytubular counter-bore 510 that is sized to slidingly receive the guidepin portion 500 of the support arm's heal portion 432 through an opening512 in the end of the knuckle portion 428 distal from the rigid finger430. The restraining mechanism 508 is projected substantially central ofthe tubular counter-bore 510 from a floor 514 thereof and along thetelescoping drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442. By example andwithout limitation, an aperture or passage 516 is formed in the floor514 of the tubular counter-bore 5 and communicates with an outwardfacing surface 518 of the rigid finger 430 opposite from the inwardfacing surface 438. When the restraining mechanism 508 is provided as ascrew or bolt, the passage 516 is sized to receive a shaft portion 520of the screw-type restraining mechanism 508, while the aperture 516 issized to constrain a head portion 522 from passing.

When the tubular counter-bore 510 in the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw420 is slidingly fit over the guide pin portion 500 projected from thesupport arm's heal portion 432, the passage 516 in the floor of thetubular counter-bore 510 is substantially aligned with the tubularclearance bore 502 in the guide pin 500. The shaft 520 of therestraining mechanism 508 is slidingly received through the passage 516,along the tubular clearance bore 502 in the guide pin portion 500 of thespring casing 494, and into the tubular spring cavity 492. Thecompression spring 490 is received over the pivot axle's shaft 520 andcompressed in the tubular spring cavity 492 between the floor portion498 at its inner end and a second end 524 of the restraining mechanism508 opposite from its head 522. For example, a nut 526 and optionalwasher 528 are installed onto the threaded end of the pivot axle shaft520.

Here, the guide pin portion 500 extended from the heal portion 432 ofthe anvil 418 and the complementary tubular counter-bore 510 in theknuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420 are substantially linear inconfiguration so that the telescoping drive axis 444 of the biasingmechanism 442 is illustrated as being substantially linear; however, theguide pin 500 and complementary tubular counter-bore 510 are optionallyformed with complementary curvature in the pivot plane 394 of the rigidsupport arm 388, as illustrated in FIG. 39. The curved guide pin 500 andcomplementary tubular counter-bore 510 cause the telescoping drive axis444 of the biasing mechanism 442 to be curved as well. Such curvature inthe guide pin 500 and complementary tubular counter-bore 510 andresultant curvature in the telescoping drive axis 444 of the biasingmechanism 442 are thus contemplated for the display unit clampingmechanism 414 of the invention and may substituted therefor withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The tubular counter-bore 510 in the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420is further structured in cooperation with the relatively stationaryguide pin portion 500 of the support arm's heal portion 432 to rotateabout the telescoping drive axis 444 as indicated by the arrow 536. Thejaw 420 is thus rotatable between an active position having the fingerportion 430 engaged with the display screen surface 9 a of the displayunit 9 (shown), and another passive position having the finger portion430 disengaged from the display screen surface 9 a (shown in FIG. 55).

Additionally, means are provided for securing rotational relationship ofthe jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418 with the finger portion 430positioned over the display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9opposite from the arcuate support surface 426. By example and withoutlimitation, a detent mechanism 530 is provided between the guide pinportion 500 of the anvil 418 and the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420.The detent mechanism 530 may be formed by example and without limitationby one or more teeth 532 sized to slide into one or more slots 534formed between the guide pin 500 and the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw420. However, other detent mechanisms are contemplated and may besubstituted for the guide pin 500 and complementary tubular counter-bore510 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

As described, the variable pressure resilient biasing mechanism 442 ofthe display unit clamping mechanism 414 resiliently biases the jaw 420toward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 in the resilientpinching relationship described herein. As will be generallywell-understood, the cross-sectional thickness t of the display unit 9increases and decreases as it is rotated into different orientationsrelative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2,the cross-sectional thickness t varying between a minimum when thedisplay unit 9 is in the substantially vertical upright positionillustrated in FIG. 47, and a maximum when the display unit 9 is in theextreme over-center position illustrated in FIG. 49.

Accordingly, the biasing mechanism 442 floats the rigid finger 430 alongthe telescoping drive axis 444 over the barrel-shaped portion 494 of theanvil 418. The biasing mechanism 442 thus permits the clamping mechanism414 to accommodate the varying cross-sectional thickness t of thedisplay unit 9 as it is rotated into different orientations relative tothe keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. As thedisplay unit 9 rotates from the substantially vertical upright positionillustrated in FIG. 47, the cross-sectional thickness t increases, andthe display unit 9 exerts pressure on the biasing mechanism 442, whichspreads the jaw portion 420 of the clamping mechanism 414 resilientlyaway from the anvil portion 418. However, the spring 490 exerts anopposite compression pressure that squeezes the rigid finger 430 of thejaw 420 against the display screen surface 9 a so that the display unit9 is pressed against the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418.Similarly, when the display unit 9 is rotated from any non-verticalposition, such as the extreme over-center position illustrated in FIG.49, the spring 490 continues to exert the compression pressure thatsqueezes the rigid finger 430 of the jaw 420 against the display screensurface 9 a so that the display unit 9 is pressed against the arcuatesupport surface 426 of the anvil 418 even while the cross-sectionalthickness t decreases.

Furthermore, as illustrated here, the second end 440 of the rigid finger430 extends sufficiently from the jaw 420 that the button 436 on theinward facing surface 438 thereof is extended over the hard shell lipportion 9 c of the display unit 9 onto the display screen 9 d. Asdiscussed elsewhere herein, the rigid finger 430 thus wraps around thehard shell lip portion 9 c of the display unit 9. The biasing mechanism442 operating along the telescoping drive axis 444 forces the button 436below the lip portion 9 c and against the display screen 9 d.Accordingly, the biasing mechanism 442 operates the button 436 toconstrain the novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 from slippinglaterally off of the lip portion 9 c and inadvertently releasing thedisplay unit 9.

FIG. 55 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel displayunit clamping mechanism 414 of the display unit support 142 invention ina passive configuration wherein the hard shell backing portion 9 b ofthe display unit 9 is supported by the anvil 418 portion of the supportarm 388 with the opposing jaw portion 420 in an open position relativeto the display screen surface 9 a: Accordingly, the jaw 420 includingthe finger portion 430 is rotated as indicated by the arrow 536 aboutthe telescoping drive axis 444 away from the active engaged positionover the display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 (shown in FIG.54) into the passive disengaged position (shown). For example, theknuckle 428 is pulled away from the anvil 418 along the longitudinaltelescoping drive axis 444 until the detent mechanism 530 disengages,i.e., until each of the one or more teeth 532 slide free of thecorresponding slot 534. The jaw portion 420 is rotated until the finger430 clears the display unit 9. With the finger 430 in this passiveconfiguration, the jaw 420 is freed and the compression spring 490 drawsthe knuckle 428 toward the anvil 418 along the telescoping drive axis444. The teeth 532 and slots 534 may be additionally configured to formthe detent mechanism 530 between the between the guide pin portion 500and the knuckle portion 428 for securing the jaw 420 in the passiveconfiguration vis-à-vis the anvil 418.

Alternative embodiments of the display unit clamping mechanism 414 andbiasing mechanism 442 may be substituted without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 56 illustrates by example and without limitation one alternativeembodiment of the display unit clamping mechanism 414 of the displayunit support 142 invention. Here, by example and without limitation; theknuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420 is free to rotate on the guide pinportion 500 of the anvil 418 between the active position having thefinger portion 430 engaged with the display screen surface 9 a of thedisplay unit 9 (shown in FIG. 54), and the passive position having thefinger portion 430 disengaged from the display screen surface 9 a (shownin FIG. 55). A stop mechanism 537 is provided between the guide pinportion 500 of the anvil 418 and the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420to keep the finger portion 430 from rotating past the engaged positionedover the display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 opposite fromthe arcuate support surface 426. By example and without limitation, thestop mechanism 537 is provided by a pin 539 set in the guide pin portion500 of the anvil 418 and a circumferential slot 541 extending part wayaround the circumference of the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420,e.g., about 90 degrees or enough to clear the display unit 9 when it isclosed, with the computer casing 2.

Optionally, a rotational drive mechanism 543 is provided between theguide pin portion 500 of the anvil 418 and the knuckle portion 428 ofthe jaw 420 as one alternative to the detent mechanism 530 (illustratedin FIGS. 54-55) as the means for securing rotational relationship of thejaw 420 relative to the anvil 418 with the finger portion 430 positionedover the display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 opposite fromthe arcuate support surface 426. Here, rather, by example and withoutlimitation, the rotational drive mechanism 543 is provided between theguide pin portion 500 of the anvil 418 and the knuckle portion 428 ofthe jaw 420 uses spring pressure as the means for securing rotationalrelationship of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418 with the fingerportion 430 positioned over the display screen surface 9 a of thedisplay unit 9 opposite from the arcuate support surface 426. Forexample, the rotational drive mechanism 543 resiliently biases thefinger portion 430 of the jaw 420 toward the display unit 9 and theactively engaged position opposite from the arcuate support surface 426of the anvil 418. Here, the rotational drive mechanism 543 is providedby example and without limitation as a torsional spring 545 coupledbetween guide pin portion 500 of the anvil 418 and the knuckle portion428 of the jaw 420 in a manner for resiliently biasing the fingerportion 430 of the jaw 420 toward the actively engaged position with thearcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 and the display screensurface 9 a of the display unit 9.

By example and without limitation, the torsional spring 545 includes apair of tangs 547 and 549. For example, one tang 547 of the spring 545is lodged against the end 506 of the guide pin portion 500 of the anvil418, while the other tang 549 is positioned to press the knuckle 428 torotate the finger 430 toward the display unit 9. Rotation continuesunder pressure of the spring 545 until the end of the slot 514encounters the fixed pin 539, whereupon the finger 430 is stopped in theactive position opposite the support surface 426 of the anvil with andengaged with the display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9. Thefinger 430 can be pulled against the pressure of the spring 545 androtated away from the display unit 9 along the direction indicated byarrow 536 so that the display unit 9 can be rotated about its hinge axish toward the closed position with the computer's casing 2. Upon release,the pressure of the spring 545 forces the finger 430 to rotate back intothe active position opposite the anvil's arcuate support surface 426 inposition pressing against the display unit 9.

FIG. 57 illustrates another embodiment of the novel display unitclamping mechanism 414 of the display unit support 142 invention. Here,the telescoping mechanism 499 between the jaw 420 and anvil 418 portionsof the clamping mechanism 414 is substantially the inverse of theconfiguration illustrated in FIGS. 54-56: Here, the heal portion 432 ofthe anvil 418 is provided with a tubular clearance bore 501 thatcommunicates between a floor 503 opposite the tubular spring cavity 492and an opening 505 at the clearance bore's outer tip 507. The separatejaw portion 420 has a guide pin portion 509 projected from the proximateknuckle end 428. The guide pin portion 509 is sized smaller than theclearance bore 501 to be slidingly received thereinto. The telescopingmechanism 499 thus operates to permit the separate jaw portion 420 tomove its rigid finger 430 toward and away from the arcuate supportsurface 426 of the anvil 418 by permitting the guide pin portion 509 ofthe jaw 420 to slide into and out of the tubular clearance bore 501 inthe heal portion 432 of the anvil 418 along the telescoping drive axis444. Additionally, the spacing distance 434 between the finger 430 ofthe jaw 420 and the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 isallowed to vary with the increasing and decreasing cross-sectionalthickness t of the display unit 9 as it is rotated into differentorientations relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of thecomputer casing 2.

A clearance passage 511 is formed lengthwise through the guide pinportion 509 of the knuckle 428 and communicates with the outward facingsurface 518 of the rigid finger 430. The clearance passage 511 is sizedto slidingly receive the shaft portion 520 of the restraining mechanism508. The translational biasing mechanism 442 thus operates between thejaw 420 and anvil 418 of the clamping mechanism 414 as described hereinto provide the resilient pinching relationship described herein.

Furthermore, the guide pin portion 509 of the jaw 420 is structured torotate within the tubular clearance bore 501 provided in the healportion 432 of the anvil 418 for moving between the active positionhaving the finger portion 430 engaged with the display screen surface 9a of the display unit 9 (shown), and the passive position having thefinger portion 430 disengaged from the display screen surface 9 a (shownin FIG. 58). Optionally, means are provided for securing rotationalrelationship of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418 with the fingerportion 430 positioned over the display screen surface 9 a of thedisplay unit 9 opposite from the arcuate support surface 426. By exampleand without limitation, a detent mechanism 513 is provided between theguide pin portion 509 of the jaw 420 and the heal portion 432 of theanvil 418. The detent mechanism 513 may be formed by example and withoutlimitation by one or more teeth 515 sized to slide into one or morelengthwise slots 517 formed in the wall 519 of the anvil's tubularclearance bore 501. At least one tooth 515 and corresponding slot 517are sufficiently long to remain engaged over a lengthwise range thatincludes a wide range of thicknesses t of the computer's display unit 9.Other detent mechanisms are contemplated and may be substituted for theguide pin 509 and complementary tubular counter-bore 501 withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Optionally, the detent mechanism 513 between the guide pin portion 509of the jaw 420 and the heal portion 432 of the anvil 418 is used incombination with the rotational drive mechanism 543 illustrated in FIG.56. For example, the rotational drive mechanism 543 is coupled toresiliently bias the finger portion 430 of the jaw 420 away from thedisplay unit 9 and the actively engaged position opposite from thearcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418. Rather, the rotationaldrive mechanism 543 is coupled to resiliently bias the finger portion430 of the jaw 420 toward the passive disengaged position (shown in FIG.58) when the detent mechanism 513 is disengaged. In other words, whenthe tooth 515 is disengaged from the corresponding slot 517, thetorsional spring pressure exerted by the rotational drive mechanism 543operates to spin the jaw 420 about the telescoping drive axis 444 asindicated by the arrow 536, thereby rotating the finger portion 430 intothe passive disengaged position respective of the display unit 9.

FIG. 58 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel displayunit clamping mechanism 414 of the display unit support 142 invention inthe passive configuration wherein the finger portion 430 is rotated asindicated by the arrow 536 about the telescoping drive axis 444 awayfrom the active engaged position over the display screen surface 9 a ofthe display unit 9 (shown in FIG. 57) into the passive disengagedposition (shown). For example, the knuckle 428 is pulled away from theanvil 418 along the longitudinal telescoping drive axis 444 until thedetent mechanism 513 disengages, i.e., until the one or more teeth 515slide free of the corresponding slots 517. The jaw portion 420 isrotated until the finger 430 clears the display unit 9. With the finger430 in this passive disengaged configuration, the jaw 420 is freed, andthe compression spring 490 draws the knuckle 428 toward the anvil 418along the telescoping drive axis 444. One or more of the teeth 515 andcorresponding slots 517 may be additionally configured to form thedetent mechanism 513 between the between the guide pin portion 509 andthe tubular clearance bore 501 for securing the jaw 420 in the passiveconfiguration vis-à-vis the anvil 418.

Additional alternative embodiments of the display unit clampingmechanism 414 and biasing mechanism 442 may be substituted withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Here, the detent mechanism 513 between the guide pin portion 509 of thejaw 420 and the heal portion 432 of the anvil 418 is optionally used incombination with the rotational drive mechanism 543 illustrated in FIG.56. For example, the rotational drive mechanism 543 is coupled toresiliently bias the finger portion 430 of the jaw 420 toward thedisplay unit 9 and the actively engaged position opposite from thearcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418. Here, the rotational drivemechanism 543 is coupled to resiliently bias the finger portion 430 ofthe jaw 420 away from the passive disengaged position (shown in FIG. 57)when the detent mechanism 513 is disengaged. In other words, when thetooth 515 is disengaged from the corresponding slot 517, the torsionalspring pressure exerted by the rotational drive mechanism 543 operatesto spin the jaw 420 about the telescoping drive axis 444 as indicated bythe arrow 536, thereby rotating the finger portion 430 into the activelyengaged position over the display screen surface 9 a of the display unit9 opposite from the arcuate support surface 426.

FIG. 59 illustrates by example and without limitation one alternativeembodiment of the novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 of thedisplay unit support 142 invention. Here, the display unit support 142and the display unit clamping mechanism 414 are viewed from the top edgeof the display unit 9 opposite from the keyboard 7, see, e.g., FIG. 42.According to this alternative embodiment, the rigid finger 430 portionof the jaw 420 of the display unit clamping mechanism 414 is rotatableabout an axis of rotation 538 that is oriented substantially crosswiseto the telescoping drive axis 444 of the translational resilient biasingmechanism 442. Accordingly, the rigid finger 430 is rotatable inwardlytoward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418, and outwardlyaway from the arcuate support surface 426, as indicated by arrow 540. Byexample and without limitation, the rigid finger 430 is rotationallysuspended by a hinge mechanism 544 from a second proximate end 542 ofthe knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420 opposite from the opening 512 inthe distal end. By example and without limitation, the rigid finger 430is rotationally suspended by a thole pin 546. However, other hingemechanisms are contemplated and may be substituted without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Here, for example, thefinger 430 includes a tail portion 548 opposite from the nub 436projected from the distal end 440. Here, the thole pin 546 extendsthrough the tail portion 548 of the finger 430 and through one or morearms 550 extended from the proximate end 542 of the knuckle 428, wherebythe finger 430 is rotated relative to the arcuate support surface 426 ofthe anvil 418, as indicated by arrow 540.

Optionally, the jaw 420 includes a positioning mechanism 551 for fixingthe finger 430 either positioned as shown over the display screensurface 9 a of the display unit 9 opposite from the arcuate supportsurface 426, or withdrawn along the direction indicated by arrow 540sufficiently to permit the display unit 9 to rotated about its hingeaxis h toward the closed position with the computer's casing 2: Byexample and without limitation, the tail portion 548 of the finger 430is formed with a substantially round or circular circumference 552 thatis interrupted by one or more flat surfaces 554 strategically positionedto fix the finger 430 either positioned as shown over the display screensurface 9 a of the display unit 9 opposite from the arcuate supportsurface 426, or withdrawn along the direction indicated by arrow 540sufficiently to permit the display unit 9 to rotated about its hingeaxis h toward the closed position with the computer's casing 2. Othermechanisms are also contemplated for fixing the position of the finger430 relative to the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420 and may besubstituted without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

For example, an oval or egg shape can be substituted for the rounds 552and flats 554 of the tail portion 548, with the longer axis alignedalong the finger 430 and corresponding to the round 552 at the end ofthe tail 548, and the shorter axis oriented crosswise of the finger 430and corresponding to the flats 554.

In another example one or more detents are provided between the tailportion 548 of the finger 430 and the proximate end 542 of the knuckle428. Alternatively, the one or more detents between the tail portion 548of the finger 430 and one or both of the arms 550 extended from theproximate end 542 of the knuckle 428.

Additionally, the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420 is optionallyfurther structured in cooperation with the relatively stationary guidepin portion 500 of the support arm's heal portion 432 to rotate aboutthe telescoping drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442, asindicated by the arrow 536. The jaw 420 is thus also rotatable betweenthe active position having the finger portion 43G engaged with thedisplay screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 (shown), and the otherpassive position having the finger portion 430 disengaged from thedisplay screen surface 9 a (shown in FIG. 55).

FIG. 60 is a cross-section view of the alternative embodiment of thenovel display unit clamping mechanism 414 of the display unit support142 invention illustrated in FIG. 59. Here, the positioning mechanism551 fixes the finger 430 of the jaw 420 positioned as shown over thedisplay screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9. For example, as shown,one of the strategically positioned flats 544 on the tail portion 548 ofthe finger 430 is seated against the substantially flat proximate end542 of the knuckle 428.

The jaw 420 portion of the clamping mechanism 414 operates under thecompression of the biasing mechanism 442, e.g., compression spring 490,to press the finger 430 against the display screen surface 9 a of thedisplay unit 9 for forcing the backing portion 9 b thereof inwardlytoward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418, as discussedhereinabove. Thereafter, the continues pressing against the displayscreen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 even when the display unit 9 isrotated about its hinge axis h by floating toward or away from the anvil418 along the telescoping drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442.

Optionally, the positioning mechanism 551 further fixes the finger 430of the jaw 420 positioned withdrawn from over the display screen surface9 a of the display unit 9 along the direction indicated by arrow 540 sothat the display unit 9 can be rotated about its hinge axis h toward theclosed position with the computer's casing 2. For example, as shown,another one of the flats 544 is provided on the tail portion 548 in aposition rotated away from the first flat 544 for holding the finger 430in the withdrawn position while the display unit 9 is opened or closed.

Additionally, the clamping mechanism 414 optionally includes analignment mechanism 556 for maintaining rotational alignment between thejaw 420 and anvil 418 relative to the telescoping drive axis 444 of thebiasing mechanism 442. Accordingly, the jaw portion 420 is restrainedagainst turning about the telescoping drive axis 444 of the biasingmechanism 442, as indicated by the arrow 536. By example and withoutlimitation, the alignment mechanism 556 includes a key 558 formed oneither the surface of the guide pin portion 500 of the heal portion 432(shown) or the complementary tubular counter-bore 510 of thebarrel-shaped knuckle portion 428, and a complementary keyway 560 formedon the other of the guide pin 500 or the tubular counter-bore 510(shown). However, other alignment mechanisms are contemplated and may besubstituted without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

FIG. 61 illustrates an alternative positioning mechanism 551 for fixingthe rotatable finger 430 either positioned as shown over the displayscreen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 opposite from the arcuatesupport surface 426, or withdrawn along the direction indicated by arrow540. Here, by example and without limitation, a torsional spring 562 iscoupled between the tail portion 548 of the finger 430 and the proximateend 542 of the knuckle 428. For example, one tang 564 of the spring 562is lodged against the proximate end 542 of the knuckle 428, whileanother tang 566 is positioned to press the finger 430 against thedisplay unit 9. The finger 430 can be pulled against the pressure of thespring 562 away from the display unit 9 along the direction indicated byarrow 540 so that the display unit 9 can be rotated about its hinge axish toward the closed position with the computer's casing 2. Upon release,the pressure of the spring 562 forces the finger 430 to rotate back intoposition pressing against the display unit 9.

The spring loaded jaw 420 is still spring-mounted on the anvil 418 bythe biasing mechanism 442 for floating the rigid finger 430 along thetelescoping drive axis 444 over the anvil's guide pin 500. As discussedhereinabove, the biasing mechanism 442 thus permits the clampingmechanism 414 to accommodate the varying cross-sectional thickness t ofthe display unit 9 as it is rotated into different orientations relativeto the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. As thedisplay unit 9 rotates from the substantially vertical upright positionillustrated in FIG. 47, the cross-sectional thickness t increases, andthe display unit 9 exerts pressure on the biasing mechanism 442, whichspreads the jaw portion 420 of the clamping mechanism 414 resilientlyaway from the anvil portion 418. However, while the biasing mechanism442 accommodates the increased thickness t of the display unit 9, theresilient force of the biasing mechanism 442 also constantly retractsthe jaw 420 toward the anvil 418 so that the pressure of the jaw 420 onthe screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 constantly presses the back9 b of the display unit 9 against the arcuate support surface 426 of theanvil 418. The clamping mechanism 414 thus constantly stabilizes thedisplay unit 9 relative to the docking station body 102.

FIG. 62 is another cross-section view of the resilient clampingmechanism 414 of the invention having the finger portion 430 of the jaw420 rotatable about the hinge mechanism 544 relative to the end 542 ofthe jaw's knuckle portion 428. By example and without limitation, thetail portion 548 of the rigid finger 430 is rotationally suspended bythe thole pin 546 through the one or more arms 550 extended from theproximate end 542 of the knuckle 428.

Here, the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420 is optionally furtherstructured in cooperation with the relatively stationary guide pinportion 500 of the support arm's heal portion 432 to rotate about thetelescoping drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442, as indicated bythe arrow 536. The jaw 420 is thus also rotatable between the activeposition having the finger portion 430 engaged with the display screensurface 9 a of the display unit 9 (shown), and the other passiveposition having the finger portion 430 disengaged from the displayscreen surface 9 a (shown in FIG. 55).

FIG. 63 is another cross-section view of the resilient clampingmechanism 414 of the invention that illustrates an alternativeconfiguration of the jaw 420. Here, the finger portion 430 is configuredto slide relative to the knuckle 428 to engage the screen surface 9 a ofthe display unit 9. By example and without limitation, the tail portion548 of the rigid finger 430 is configured to slide within acomplementary slot 568 formed in the knuckle 428, as indicated by thearrow 569. For example, the slot 568 is formed between the arms 550 incombination with an end cap 570. Optionally, the sliding finger 430 maybe biased, i.e., spring loaded, to slide toward engagement with thescreen surface 9 a of the display unit 9.

Here, the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420 is optionally furtherstructured in cooperation with the relatively stationary guide pinportion 500 of the support arm's heal portion 432 to rotate about thetelescoping drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442, as indicated bythe arrow 536. The jaw 420 is thus also rotatable between the activeposition having the sliding finger portion 430 engaged with the displayscreen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 (shown), and the other passiveposition having the sliding finger portion 430 disengaged from thedisplay screen surface 9 a (shown in FIG. 55).

Alternatively, the clamping mechanism 414 having the sliding fingerportion 430 optionally includes the alignment mechanism 556 or anotheralignment mechanism for maintaining rotational alignment between the jaw420 and anvil 418 relative to the telescoping drive axis 444 of thebiasing mechanism-442. Accordingly, the sliding finger 430 is maintainedin substantially fixed orientation substantially opposed to the arcuatesupport surface 426 of the anvil 418, i.e., substantially directedaccording to the indicator arrow 569, as illustrated.

FIG. 64 illustrates an alternative configuration of the resilientclamping mechanism 414 of the invention that substitutes the rotationalvariable pressure resilient biasing mechanism 572 for the substantiallytranslational biasing mechanism 442 detailed in previous figures. Asindicated by arrow 573, the alternative resilient clamping mechanism 414also resiliently biases the jaw 420 toward the arcuate support surface426 of the anvil 418 in the resilient pinching relationship describedherein. By example and without limitation, the rotational biasingmechanism 572 automatically varies the spacing distance 434 toaccommodate the varying cross-sectional thickness of the display unit 9of the computer 1 as the display unit 9 is rotated about its hinge axish relative to the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2 into differentupright orientations at the back of the keyboard 7. By example andwithout limitation, the knuckle 428 portion of the rotatable jaw 420illustrated in previous Figures is incorporated into the heal portion432 of the anvil 418 which is extended thereby to a length that issubstantially the same as the nominal thickness t of the display unit 9.The one or more arms 550 are extended from a proximate end surface 574of the anvil's heal portion 432 opposite from the arcuate supportsurface 426.

By example and without limitation, the rigid finger 430 is rotationallysuspended by the hinge mechanism 544 from the proximate end 574 of theanvil's heal portion 432 opposite from the arcuate support surface 426.By example and without limitation, the torsionally spring-loaded rigidfinger 430 is rotationally suspended between the arms 550 by the tholepin 546. However, other hinge mechanisms are contemplated and may besubstituted without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Here, for example, the thole pin 546 extends through the tailportion 548 of the finger 430 and through one or more arms 550 extendedfrom the proximate end 574 of the anvil's heal portion 432, whereby thefinger 430 is rotated relative to the arcuate support surface 426 of theanvil 418, as indicated by arrow 540.

Here, by example and without limitation, the rotational variablepressure resilient biasing mechanism 572 is provided by the torsionalspring 562 which is coupled between the tail portion 548 of the finger430 and the proximate end 574 of the anvil's heal portion 432. Forexample, one tang 564 of the spring 562 is lodged against the proximateend 574 of the anvil's heal portion 432, while the other tang 566 ispositioned to rotate the finger 430 about the thole pin 546 and pressthe finger 430 against the display unit 9. The finger 430 can be pulledagainst the pressure of the spring 562 away from the display unit 9along the direction indicated by arrow 540 so that the display unit 9can be rotated about its hinge axis h toward the closed position withthe computer's casing 2. Upon release, the pressure of the spring 562forces the finger 430 to rotate back into position pressing against thedisplay unit 9.

FIG. 65 illustrates the resilient clamping mechanism 414 of theinvention that substitutes the rotational variable pressure resilientbiasing mechanism 572 for the substantially translational biasingmechanism 442. Here, by example and without limitation, a roller 576 isrotatably suspended on the end 440 of the finger 430 for accommodating amotion of the finger 430 across the display screen surface 9 a (asindicated by the arrows) when the display unit 9 is rotated about itshinge axis h. By example and without limitation, the roller 576 issuspended on another thole pin 578 that extends through the roller 576and through the end 440 of the finger 430.

While the preferred and additional alternative embodiments of theinvention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciatedthat various changes can be made therein without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will be appreciatedthat various changes can be made therein without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventor makes thefollowing claims.

1. An external expanding apparatus operable with a portable computer ofa type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surfacethereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotallymounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holesadjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surfacethereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back planethereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sidesthereof, the external expanding apparatus comprising: a body portionadapted for mounting to an external support structure, the body portionhaving a substantially rigid bearing plate formed with a computerbearing surface, a computer receiver structure fixedly positionedadjacent to a front edge of the bearing surface and projected thereabove; a pair of locating pins sized to be matingly received into thepair of locating holes in the bottom surface of the casing of theportable computer, the locating pins being fixedly projected above thebearing surface in positions for being matingly received into the pairof locating holes; a computer expansion connector positioned for matingwith the input/output (I/O) connector positioned on the back plane ofthe portable computer; a rotatable display unit support having asubstantially rigid support arm structured with a first end portion thatis rotatably coupled to the body portion and is pivotable in a planethat is substantially perpendicular to the bearing surface of thebearing plate; and a display unit clamping mechanism positioned adjacentto a second end portion of the rigid support arm opposite from the firstend portion and adapted to clamp the display unit between asubstantially rigid support surface and a substantially rigid jawportion resiliently biased substantially theretoward.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the display unit clamping mechanism further comprisesa substantially rigid anvil having the support surface formed thereonconfigured as a convexly arcuate support surface facing substantiallytoward the jaw portion.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the displayunit clamping mechanism further comprises a rotatable coupling betweenwherein the jaw portion and the anvil, the jaw portion being rotatablebetween a first disengaged position rotated away from the arcuatesupport surface of the anvil, and a second engaged positionsubstantially opposed to the arcuate support surface of the anvil. 4.The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the display unit clamping mechanismfurther comprises a telescoping mechanism between the anvil portion andthe jaw portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the display unitclamping mechanism further comprises a first resilient biasing mechanismcoupled between the jaw portion and the anvil and being operable along afirst drive axis that is substantially aligned with the telescopingmechanism therebetween; and the rotatable coupling between the jawportion and the anvil is further operable rotationally about the firstdrive axis of the first resilient biasing mechanism for rotating the jawportion between the first disengaged position and the second engagedposition.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the jaw portion furthercomprises a portion projected from a surface thereof finger facingsubstantially toward the anvil portion of the display unit, theprojected portion being positioned distal from the telescopingmechanism.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the display unit clampingmechanism further comprises a means for retaining the jaw portion in thesecond engaged position.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the displayunit clamping mechanism further comprises a means for retaining the jawportion in the in first disengaged position.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7wherein the display unit clamping mechanism further comprises a meansfor biasing the jaw portion between the first disengaged position andthe second engaged position.
 10. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein thejaw portion is further rotatably coupled for being rotatable about afirst substantially rotational drive axis that is oriented substantiallycrosswise to an axis of the anvil substantially parallel to the pivotplane of the rotatable display unit support arm for rotating the jawportion between the first disengaged position and the second engagedposition.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the display unitclamping mechanism further comprises a first substantially rotationalresilient biasing mechanism coupled for rotating the jaw portion aboutthe first substantially rotational drive axis.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein: the anvil portion of the display unit clampingmechanism further comprises a guide pin; the jaw portion furthercomprises a complementary tubular counter-bore that is sized toslidingly receive the guide pin; and further comprising a firstresilient biasing mechanism coupled between the jaw portion and theanvil and being operable along a first drive axis that is substantiallyaligned with the guide pin and the complementary tubular counter-bore.13. An external expanding apparatus operable with a portable computer ofa type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surfacethereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotallymounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holesadjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surfacethereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back planethereof with one or more positioning apertures provided on oppositesides thereof, the external expanding apparatus comprising: a bodyportion adapted for mounting to an external support structure, the bodyportion having a substantially rigid bearing plate formed with acomputer bearing surface, a computer receiver structure fixedlypositioned adjacent to a front edge of the bearing surface and projectedthere above; one or more locating pins sized to be matingly receivedinto the locating holes in the bottom surface of the casing of theportable computer, the one or more locating pins being fixedly projectedabove the bearing surface in positions for being matingly received intothe locating holes; a movable computer expansion connector positionedadjacent to a rear edge of the bearing surface opposite from thecomputer receiver structure the for mating with the input/output (I/O)connector positioned on the back plane of the portable computer; arotatable display unit support having a substantially rigid support armstructured with a first end portion that is pivotally coupled to thebody portion adjacent to the rear edge of the bearing surface of thebearing plate and is pivotable in a plane that is substantiallyperpendicular to the bearing surface; and a display unit clampingmechanism adapted to clamp the display unit, the clamping mechanismpositioned adjacent to a second end portion of the rigid support armopposite from the first end portion, the clamping mechanism comprising:a substantially rigid anvil having a convexly arcuate support surfaceextended substantially perpendicularly to the pivot plane of the supportarm, and a substantially rigid jaw that is rotatably coupled to theanvil, the jaw having a substantially rigid finger that is spacable awayfrom the arcuate support surface of the anvil and is further rotatablebetween a first position opposed to the arcuate support surface of theanvil, and a second position unopposed to the arcuate support surface qfthe anvil.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the finger is furtherresiliently biased toward the arcuate support surface of the anvil. 15.The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the finger portion of the display unitclamping mechanism is further spacable along a drive axis extendedbetween the jaw and the anvil.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein thefinger portion of the display unit clamping mechanism is furtherrotatable about the drive axis extended between the jaw and the anvil.17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the display unit clampingmechanism further comprises a resilient biasing mechanism coupled forurging the substantially rigid finger toward the arcuate support surfaceof the anvil.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the display unitclamping mechanism further comprises a detent mechanism operable betweenthe jaw and the anvil.
 19. An external expanding apparatus operable witha portable computer of a type having a display unit having a displayscreen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surfaceopposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casinghaving a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of asubstantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O)connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioningapertures provided on opposite sides thereof, the external expandingapparatus comprising: a body portion adapted for mounting to an externalsupport structure, the body portion having a substantially rigid bearingplate between opposing side walls and formed with a computer bearingsurface, a computer receiver structure fixedly positioned adjacent to afront edge of the bearing surface and projected there above; a pair oflocating pins sized to be matingly received into the pair of locatingholes in the bottom surface of the casing of the portable computer, thelocating pins being fixedly projected above the bearing surface inpositions for being matingly received into the pair of locating holes; acomputer expansion connector movable relative to a connectorpresentation surface positioned adjacent to a rear edge of the bearingsurface opposite from the computer receiver structure the for matingwith the input/output (I/O) connector positioned on the back plane ofthe portable computer; a rotatable display unit support having asubstantially rigid support arm structured with a first end portion thatis rotatably coupled in a releasably lockable manner to one of the sidewalls of the body portion adjacent to the connector presentation surfaceand is rotatable in a plane of rotation that is substantiallyperpendicular to the computer bearing surface of the bearing plate; anda display unit clamping mechanism adapted to clamp the inner surface andhard shell backing of the display unit, the clamping mechanismpositioned adjacent to a second clamping end portion of the rigidsupport arm opposite from the first pivot end portion, the display unitclamping mechanism comprising: a substantially rigid anvil having asubstantially smooth part-cylindrical support surface having an axis ofrotation extended substantially perpendicularly to the rotation plane ofthe support arm, a substantially rigid jaw that is rotatably coupled toa heal portion of the anvil, the jaw having a substantially rigid fingerthat is nominally spaced away from the arcuate support surface of theanvil and is rotatable about a drive axis extended substantiallycrosswise axis of rotation of the part-cylindrical support surface ofthe anvil, the finger being rotatable between a first position opposedto the part-cylindrical support surface of the anvil, and a secondposition unopposed to the part-cylindrical support surface of the anvil;a resilient biasing mechanism coupled for urging the substantially rigidfinger toward the part-cylindrical support surface of the anvil; and adetent mechanism between the jaw and the anvil for retaining the fingerportion of the jaw in one of the first and second positions.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein the detent mechanism of the display unitclamping mechanism further comprises a guide pin projected along thedrive axis from one of the anvil portion and the jaw portion, and acomplementary tubular counter-bore formed along the drive axis in adifferent one of the anvil portion and the jaw portion, thecomplementary tubular counter-bore sized to slidingly receive the guidepin.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the resilient biasingmechanism is further coupled between the jaw portion and the anvilportion for operation along the drive axis.
 22. The apparatus of claim21 wherein the jaw portion further comprises a portion projected from asurface of the finger facing substantially toward the anvil portion ofthe display unit, the projected portion being positioned adjacent to anend of the finger that is distal from the tubular counter-bore of thejaw portion.